To receive the above item.

Jeffrey Pick, Thames Valley Police, gave a verbal report to the forum on burglary dwellings, theft from motor vehicles, theft of motor vehicles and theft of bikes.

Jeffrey Pick stated that caution needed to be exercised when looking at crime statistics relating to burglaries due to the way that the statistics were recorded. There were four burglaries within the area, not nine as stated on the police website. Jeffrey Pick stated that it was very difficult to mount operations as the crimes were spread out. Additionally, the crimes were spread out throughout the borough rather than being focused within a small area.

Jeffrey Pick stated that car theft was a problem for the police at present, particularly for car owners with keyless fobs. Land Rover and Range Rovers were also being specifically targeted, with these cars being stolen using a relay signal, which magnified the signal from the keyless fob to the car. Advice was given to residents to install a tracking system fitted to the car, as thieves were able to disable the standard fitted tracker but would have had no knowledge of this tracker. Advice was also given to purchase an AirTag, which would enable the owner of the car to track their car should it be stolen.

Jeffrey Pick stated that Thames Valley Police were working with Windsor Bike Hub and Maidenhead Bike Hub to register bikes on the Bike Register. Maidenhead had registered about 50 in the past two weeks. Windsor Bike Hub hosted regular Saturday events to mark bikes and register bikes. Their aim was to work with young people to train them in bike servicing, maintenance, and restoration. Both bike hubs would like donated bikes to refurbish them and then sell to raise funds for the bike hub.

The Chairman asked about any odd or specific crimes within Windsor and Maidenhead that should be publicised to forum members and residents. Jeffrey Pick replied that fraud and scams were occurring regularly, particularly at cash points, as well as courier scams and extortions. All of these crimes targeted the elderly especially. Jeffrey Pick was trying to publicise these crimes at various events around the borough to inform those who may be most vulnerable.

Councillor Tisi commented on the Nottingham Knockers who had been seen in Windsor and stated that it was worth telling residents about them, as many people were still unaware of who the Nottingham Knockers were.

Jeffrey Pick replied that the Nottingham Knockers had been across the whole local police area, not just in Windsor. Jeffrey Pick also commented that many people were unaware on how the scam worked, but once it had been fully explained, people would understand why the Nottingham Knockers should be turned away. Jeffrey Pick stated that the Nottingham Knockers were in the area for around three days and that they expected to see a number of burglaries targeting the elderly.

Councillor Tisi stated that contained within the report were the details of the theft of loose change and sanitary towels from a vehicle. Councillor Tisi informed the forum that there were places people could go to for help such as the Windsor Food Share, the Baby Bank, and local schools.

Jeffrey Pick replied by stating that some people were now leaving vehicles unlocked to avoid windows being smashed. Jeffrey Pick stated that this could be done, but nothing should be left on display, and this could also become a crime attractor. Jeffrey Pick added that any single females could leave a man’s hat within the car to deter potential criminals and give the impression that the female was not alone.

Councillor Davey implored Jeffrey Pick to visit supermarkets and speak to the elderly to spread the awareness around crimes which they could find themselves victims of.

Jeffrey Pick stated that PSCOs had been in a local supermarket on 8 March 2022. Additionally, the police held a community safety event in Dedworth which was highly publicised on social media, but it only had one attendant.

Councillor Hilton stated that Ascot had seen an increase in vehicles stolen, all of them high end, and emphasised the importance of keeping cars locked. Jeffrey Pick replied by saying that that it was important to keep keys in a faraday pouch which blocked the signal from keyless fobs. Councillor Hilton responded by stating that it was his belief that cars were being sold with faraday pouches, however people were not using them

Jeffrey Pick replied that the police had visited Jaguar Range Rover in Slough to ask about a database of members who had purchased cars to circulate this message but were told that they had no way of contacting previous customers.

Ed Wilson asked for any updates on the community speed watch programme. Jeffrey Pick replied by saying that the programme was supposed to go live on 26December with funding provided by the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), but this never happened. The police were not permitted to do the community speed watch by the PCC who stated that it must be managed by the community, who could register online. Jeffrey Pick had tried to reach out to the PCC but had made no progress. He said that as soon as he receives any information, this will be publicised. Councillor Cannon offered to speak to the PCC directly to reinforce this.

Councillor Davey expressed concern regarding speed watch and its progress. Jeffrey Pick stated that he would be grateful for any help in getting the project up and running

Councillor Tisi asked whether an update on violent crime would be possible as mentioned at the January forum meeting. Sergeant Cathy Griffiths replied by stating that figures on violent crime in Windsor were available through the Neighbourhood Inspector’s quarterly updates and via the Community Safety Partnership.

Sergeant Cathy Griffiths finished by stating that PC John Brookes would be the new Town Centre PC starting in the first week of April and that he would be a great asset to the force in Windsor.