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Rob France, chief of Wokingham's Police, has pledged to continue reducing crime across the borough
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New police chief pledges to keep cutting crime

By Laura Herbert
February 04, 2013

Driving down crime and continuing to make the area a safer place to live and work are the pledges from Wokingham’s new police chief.

Chief Inspector Rob France has been in his new role for nearly three weeks but has already highlighted key areas he wants to tackle, including burglary and anti-social behaviour.

Ch Insp France was previously CID Det Insp in West Oxfordshire and took over from Ch Insp Christian Bunt, who was promoted to Superintendent in Oxford City, on Monday, January 14.

Ch Insp France said: “It’s really exciting and fantastic to meet what are clearly motivated staff committed to doing the right thing and getting out there.

“Our job is to support the community and make Wokingham a safe place to live and work.”

Wokingham recorded a 21 per cent reduction in crime last year – the highest reduction across the force – and anti-social behaviour has dropped around 40 per cent in the last two years.

Ch Insp France said: “I’m committed to ensuring the success we have seen over the last couple of years working with a really strong local policing area (LPA) with an excellent track record of driving down crime and dealing with anti-social behaviour.

“My job is to pick up where Christian left off and continue to improve and do better for the communities we serve.”

He continued: “Looking at where we might focus, first is definitely burglary. We have had a significant reduction in these crimes but it is a crime that really impacts people and the force recognises this.

“Anti-social behaviour has come down significantly and affects quality of life. It is often key for residents and is something we are increasingly becoming aware of.

“We are also aware of rural crime such as poaching and hare coursing. ”

Ch Insp France added: “The communities and partner agencies offer good, strong support and it is that multifaceted approach of coming together to make Wokingham a safe place to live and work.

“If people see something suspicious we want to know because that allows us to investigate and it might be the one thing that leads to identifying an offender.

“It’s about information that comes from the community.”

People living in the borough can sign up to Thames Valley Alert to receive information about crime in the area and safety alerts.

To register or to find out more visit www.thamesvalleyalert.co.uk.

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Most recent user comments 2 of 2

Isn't it criminal that Police Commissioner Anthony Stansfeld is calling for an increase in my Council Tax to make up for central government funding cuts?

Kevin Baker
04/02/2013 at 17:07

Stop Press.....

New police chief will do the job for which he is paid...

Is it just me or do all the new "Politicians in Uniform" come into their new roles and say the same thing? I would be far more worried if a new senior officer came into post and said he wasn't going to work to make the place safer and reduce crime......The same applied to the new Police Commissioners too!