Wokingham Borough Connect
In the next couple of weeks we'll be launching our Community Safety consultation.
We will send a special edition of this newsletter so you don't miss your opportunity to share your thoughts.
 Help us tackle Violence Against Women and Girls
While levels of crime are relatively low in our area, we know that some crimes are under reported. We want to change that, particularly for victims of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).
We have recently launched a project 'Hearing the Voices' and are looking to seek information from victims of VAWG and from women and girls who have not been subjected to any form of VAWG but they may, for example, fear walking through town centres in the evening/early hours when it's dark or simply visiting local parks/open spaces at whatever time of the day.
We are looking for people to speak to either in person or via telephone or Zoom to answer questions about their experiences with VAWG and how we can reduce it in our communities. Please email VAWG@wokingham.gov.uk if you would like to take part.
VAWG covers a wide range of crimes including:
- Sexual violence (rape, abuse and exploitation)
- Sexual harassment and bullying
- Stalking
- Revenge porn, sharing explicit images without consent and extortion
- Upskirting
- Coercive and controlling behaviour
- Culture based crimes ( female genital mutilation, forced marriage and crimes committed in the name of ‘honour’)
- Trafficking
However insignificant a crime may appear it’s important to report it. That will enable the crime to be investigated and valuable information around locations, dates, times, descriptions can be collated and used by the police to map and profile offences and identify and bring perpetrators to account.
Any crimes should be reported on the Thames Valley Police website or by calling 101. You should call 999 if a crime is in progress or there is a risk to life.
 Keeping the Hong Kong community safe and well
A special event is being held for members of the Hong Kong community to introduce them to key services who help keep communities safe and well.
The event will be held on Thursday 6 June, from 11am to 2pm at Maiden Place Shopping Centre. It will include our Community Safety Team, the fire service, Cranstoun Domestic Abuse service and Citizens Advice.
The drop-in is held regularly in the area, but this session will have a particular focus on supporting Hongkongers to understand what services are available to support them, how to access the services and what to expect when coming into contact with a service.
A video has been produced to go alongside the event, spoken in traditional Chinese with English subtitles, explaining the UK definition of domestic abuse, how to report it, what support is available and issues surrounding visas.
The session is free to attend and no booking required, just drop-in.
 Food for thought
Our Environmental Health Officers have had a busy year carrying out 166 routine food hygiene inspections and 224 inspections of new food businesses and followed up 48 lower risk food businesses.
Following an inspection, officers issue a rating between 5 (very good) and 0 (urgent improvement necessary) under the national Food Hygiene Rating Scheme.
The majority of food businesses (80 per cent) received the highest rating of 5, with 7 per cent receiving a rating of 4 and 8 per cent a rating of 3.
Food businesses not maintaining standards can have their rating reduced, and can subsequently appeal the rating awarded. They additionally have the option to pay for a revisit seeking a re-score revisit inspection, when remedial action has been taken.
 Photo courtesy of Thames Valley Police
Taxi!
Our licensing team worked with colleagues from Thames Valley Police in a joint operation to carry out checks on taxi drivers and their vehicles on Friday 26 April.
It was an opportunity to engage with drivers as well as ensure their vehicles were safe and legal to drive. 20 to 30 drivers were spoken to throughout the evening, some were stopped while driving and others were spoken to while stationary at taxi ranks.
Two fixed penalty notices were issued for road traffic offences and two warnings were given. Our licensing team were able to check taxi licenses and details on the spot.
If you have any concerns regarding taxi drivers or their vehicles please email licensing@wokingham.gov.uk Any crimes should be reported on the Thames Valley Police website or by calling 101. You should call 999 if a crime is in progress or there is a risk to life.
 Could you foster a pet?
For many people wishing to flee domestic abuse the thought of leaving their pet behind can be a barrier to leaving.
It isn't always possible for refuges or temporary accommodation to allow pets, meaning many owners will not want to move to safety if they can't take their pet with them.
Dogs Trust Freedom and Cats Protection Lifeline can provide a temporary home for dogs and cats with a loving foster carer until their owner is safe, settled and ready to have them back.
You can find out more in this video.
Freedom has seen a 102 per cent increase in enquiries during the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2022. During the first quarter of 2024, Freedom and Lifeline have helped 259 families by fostering their pets.
If you are in this situation or know someone who is, or if you could help by fostering a pet then please contact them at the links above for more information.
 Protecting yourself from van theft
Thames Valley Police have warned that there is an increase in reports of vans being stolen across the Bracknell and Wokingham area.
They have provided some tips for van owners on how to prevent thefts of, or from, vans:
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Check windows are closed and doors are locked when you leave your vehicle
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Consider fitting dead locks and security cages
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Criminals can use devices to block the signal from a key fob, if you have a keyless van consider investing in a signal blocker
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Consider installing a security alarm, camera or dashcam to the van if it doesn’t already have one
- Consider installing a tracker on the vehicle
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If your vehicle has rear-view or back windows, consider darkening them to stop people from seeing inside
- Never leave valuables on display, even for a short period
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Register and mark your tools and remove them overnight if possible
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Park against a wall and/or under a streetlight and avoid poorly lit areas
If you have seen anything suspicious, have any CCTV or dashcam footage of suspects, or have any information about these thefts, please report to Thames Valley Police online or call 101. If a crime is in progress, dial 999.
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