Wokingham Borough Connect
Next month we will be launching a special campaign along with Involve to help you and your families stay safe in the online world.
Whether you are a parent or carer, or someone interested in learning more about digital security there will be something for everyone.
We've planned a series of free events featuring expert insights and practical advice.
South-East Police Cyber Crime Unit: Gain insights from law enforcement experts on how to protect yourself from cyber-crime, recognise scams and safeguard your personal information.
NSPCC: learn how to support children and young people online, recognise signs of cyberbullying and foster open conversations about digital safety
Tellmi: a webinar for parents and carers to hear about an innovative anonymous app funded by the NHS where young people can talk about absolutely anything safely.
Stay True to You: Supported by the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner – insights from young people on sense of safety and Stay True to You resources.
In today's digital age our online and offline lives are more connected than ever. From social media to online gaming the Internet offers endless opportunities but also potential risks, especially for young and vulnerable individuals.
We want to help residents of all ages understand these risks and empower them with knowledge and practical advice to navigate the online world confidently and safely.
All events are free and open to all residents. More information and dates will be published in our Resident's Round-up newsletter and the next edition of Community Safety and Enforcement (due on 3 February).
Trading Standards needs your help
Trading Standards Officers routinely carry out undercover purchasing of age restricted products, such as vapes, fireworks and alcohol across Wokingham Borough. The work is undertaken jointly with the Licensing Team and officers from the Public Protection Partnership.
We need to recruit volunteers (aged 15 to 17) to help with this work, which will take place out of school hours throughout the year and be carried out under officer supervision.
Many volunteers use the work they do with us to help find part time jobs or as part of their Duke of Edinburgh Awards. We also provide references for college and university applications.
If you know of any young people who may wish to volunteer please contact Francesca Berry
Due to the nature of this work our officers will discuss fully with the volunteers and their parents/guardians the nature and implications of the work to be carried out. A full briefing and training will then be given to all successful candidates.
 First winter safety event
On Thursday 5 December our community safety team worked with partners to hold a winter safety event at Wokingham Town Hall, giving residents a chance to get tips and advice about their safety.
Throughout the morning a number of residents popped in to speak with the services, and advice was shared about health and wellbeing, local issues, keeping safe during social events and crime awareness during the festive period.
Thanks to Cranstoun, involve, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service and Thames Valley local police team for joining us.
Further seasonal events are being planned for 2025 at venues around the borough.
New Year, New Start
The new year feels like a clean slate and many people use this time to make resolutions and changes in their lives, including for some who may be re-evaluating their relationships.
Did you know that support is available for people who recognise that they are using abusive behaviours in their relationships? These programmes aim to address the root causes of abuse, promote accountability and foster long-term changes.
The benefits of accessing help include:
- A chance to take responsibility for actions as a crucial first step in breaking patterns of control and abuse
- Gaining an insight into the impact of behaviours on partners and families
- Help with communication, conflict resolution and management of emotions to help build healthier relationships
- Breaking the cycle of abuse by addressing underlying issues like trauma, emotional regulation or distorted beliefs about power and control
- Reducing the likelihood of future abuse, which benefits the person on the programme as well as current or future partners and families
In Wokingham borough, Cranstoun domestic abuse support service deliver programmes for individuals concerned about their behaviour. The programmes are available for men or women and members of the LGBT+ community with additional support for anyone who has communication or language needs.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger call 999.
 Single use vapes ban
From 1 June this year, it will be illegal to sell or supply single-use vapes in England following the introduction of legislation designed to protect children and young people's health and reduce environmental damage.
Single-use vapes are those that are not designed or intended to be re-used and includes any vape that is not refillable and rechargeable.
Businesses will have until the deadline to sell any remaining stock they hold in preparation for the ban coming into force.
As well as lithium-ion batteries, vapes also contain circuit boards which - if not disposed of properly - can leach toxic compounds into the environment as they degrade and harm biodiversity, soils and waterways.
They can also cause fires when crushed or damaged in waste lorries or at waste facilities, which risks harm to the public, waste management officers and firefighters.
Recycling vapes is however not straightforward because of their size and the way they are manufactured, which makes them difficult to take apart. Plus the many different types of vape on the market makes it difficult to develop a standard recycling process.
Introducing these regulations will be a crucial step in tackling litter and plastic pollution which blight our environment. It will reduce the amount of waste we generate, protecting our communities, wildlife and ecosystems for future generations to enjoy.
 Counterfeit vodka seized by Trading Standards
Vodka seized during a routine visit nearby has been found to be counterfeit and has been confirmed as injurious to health after testing.
In September 2024 the Food Standards Agency (FSA) issued an alert after they became aware of the production and distribution of counterfeit vodka which was being labelled as Glen’s Vodka.
Products sampled were found to contain an industrial solvent (Isopropyl alcohol) not intended for human consumption. Consuming it can quickly lead to alcohol poisoning, and in severe cases death.
Anyone with symptoms should seek medical attention call NHS 111 in the first instance or 999 in an emergency.
Every genuine bottle of Glen’s vodka has a laser etched lotcode applied to the bottle between the rear label and the base of the bottle.
If you see any Glen’s vodka that has no laser etched lot code do not buy it. Vodka contaminated by isopropyl alcohol has a strong odour so if the vodka smells different do not drink it.
We would also remind retailers that they should only be purchasing products from reputable suppliers.
If anyone believes they may have purchased such products they should store it in a safe place and email Trading Standards or telephone 01635 519930 .
If anyone has any information on the manufacture or sale of counterfeit alcohol, then please contact the freephone confidential National Food Crime Unit hotline on 0800 028 1180.
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