News
Charity urges residents to call a halt to crime
2 July 2009
Residents and workers in Bracknell Forest are being urged to work with the Crimestoppers organisation to help further reduce crime in the borough. The independent charity allows people to pass on information completely anonymously, either by phone or through a website. The police never know the identity of the caller and rewards are also available which are paid without compromising a caller's anonymity. Crimestoppers can be contacted by phone on 0800 555 111 or via the website www.crimestoppers-uk.org Ian Boswell, Bracknell Forest Council’s community safety manager, said: "Crimestoppers guarantee to never ask for your name or record your call which makes it easier for residents to come forward, breaking the silence around criminal activity. "A caller will not have to make a statement to the police or appear in court and there is up to £1,000 reward if the information someone gives leads to one or more people being charged and convicted." The most commonly reported crime in Bracknell Forest is criminal damage, especially damage to cars such as broken wing mirrors or scratches. The Bracknell Forest Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership is hoping residents will also contact Crimestoppers to offer information about cars being broken into in various locations around the borough. The CDRP is aware that parts of car bodies are being stolen, including number plates and is urging residents to make use of the Crimestoppers number, Graffiti is also being targeted by the CDRP. There are two ‘tags’ which appear in many places across the borough: ‘TUK’ and ‘AL’. Residents who know or suspect the identity of the taggers are asked to contact Crimestoppers. There has been a small rise in the number of house burglaries in Bracknell Forest. There is no identifiable pattern but in a significant number the burglar has got in through an insecure window or door and often at night. Garages are also being targeted by thieves, especially isolated garages in blocks. Residents are urged to make sure doors are locked, in addition to checking their gardens sheds are secure. Cllr Iain McCracken, executive member for public protection at Bracknell Forest Council, said: "The rise in crime in Bracknell Forest over the last six months is relatively small and we are still fortunate enough to live in a low crime area. "However, burglaries from homes and garages or thefts from cars are distressing to the victims. We can all help the CDRP in its work by being extra careful about securing our homes and vehicles. "Graffiti and criminal damage blight our neighbourhoods and we should try to help the CDRP clamp down on it by reporting it promptly. "We would also encourage residents who have information about crime to contact Crimestoppers, or Bracknell police, who can be contacted on 0845 8 505 505, or the CDRP on 01344 352121."
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