Residents report knife crime and drug-dealing in Hungerford streets

HUNGERFORD residents have complained of knife crime, drug dealing and antisocial behaviour in residential streets.

Town councillors promised to help but some said the issue would be better addressed “behind closed doors”.

A group of concerned residents who addressed a monthly, full town council meeting on Monday night described “constant swearing” at 4am by youths on electric bikes, as well as the other issues.

It is unclear whether the complainants have reported the incidents to police.

For the picture they painted is at odds with figures released by the neighbourhood police team, which typically feature two or three incidents of antisocial behaviour per month.

One resident said: “We all know that’s not the reality.”

However police did appeal for witnesses to a stabbing in June – see below for details.

Councillor Helen Armstrong told Monday’s meeting: “We want to get rid of this behaviour in Hungerford and turn it back into the nice little market town it used to be.”

However, she suggested, “we need to do it behind closed doors”.

Councillor Jerry Keates said: “We don’t need to be discussing the minutiae within this room.

“All, I think, we need to say is that we get it; we’re on side and we’re going to help.

“I don’t think we need to be discussing this in a public forum.”

One resident replied: “As long as something gets done.”

Residents were advised to report each incident.

Deputy mayor James Cole suggested that the Thames Valley police and crime commissioner (PCC) could be approached for help.

He advised: “Keep a log of what’s happening – it’s clearly gone on far too long.

“We will do what we can.”

Councillors agreed to escalate the issue to the police, the PCC and to Sovereign Housing.

* POLICE have appealed for witnesses to the June stabbing.

At around 12.40am on Sunday, June 30, a man in his late teens sustained stab wounds in Prospect Road between 8.45pm on Saturday, June 29, and 12.30am the following day.

Det Con Elin Wylie-Davies appealed for any CCTV footage or dash-cam footage and added: “I’d ask that you check any recordings in case it has captured something that could assist our investigation.

“You can make a report by calling 101 or via our website, quoting reference number 43240307849.

“Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to the independent charity, Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website.”