Slough

Officers from Slough Thames Valley Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) recovered over one kilo of cocaine and arrested two people.

Officers arrested two people yesterday (5/8), from an address in Knolton Way, Slough, on suspicion of conspiracy to import class A controlled drugs.

A package containing 1.2 kilos of cocaine, which was destined for an address in Slough, was recovered by officers. The cocaine has a street value of approximately £230,000.

The men, aged 25 and 30, remain in police custody.

Thames Valley Police ~ Slough

Approximately 100 motorists were stopped as part of a multi-agency road safety drive in Slough yesterday (2/8).

Slough PC Bob Wade, Road Safety Constable from the Thames Valley Safer Roads Partnership, joined officers from the Roads Policing Department and Road Safety Officers from Slough Borough Council, to carry out the check on Farnham Road between 8.30am and 12.30pm. Also on hand at the check was the Vehicle Operator Services Agency (VOSA).

The aim was to check Slough drivers committing offences that have an adverse effect on road safety, such as not wearing a seatbelt or using a mobile phone, and to identify vehicles that appeared to be in need of an inspection to check their road-worthiness, and also to ensure that vehicle loads were legal.

Of the Slough vehicles stopped some were sent direct to VOSA and passed a vehicle inspection with no further action however forty people were issued with Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) of £60 for failing to wear a seatbelt. These individuals were offered the option of completing an online course. The course costs £25 and is paid online. If the driver is successful, the FPN is cancelled.

Fifteen Slough drivers were caught using their mobile phone and issued with a FPN of £60 and three penalty points on their licence. They were offered the chance to attend a Call Divert education course, in place of the fine and points. The course costs a little more than the FPN and is paid for by the driver. If completed successfully, the FPN, including the points, are cancelled. These courses can only be completed once in a three year period.

One vehicle was seized by officers as the driver had no insurance. The Slough drivers of these vehicles received a £200 FPN and six penalty points. In order to get the vehicle released, they must produce the correct documents to drive the vehicle and pay a £150 recovery bill plus any daily storage costs.

VOSA issued 17 prohibition notices for various Slough vehicle defects. Some of these were immediate prohibitions. An immediate prohibition notice requires a driver to rectify the fault before the vehicle can be driven any further. The remainder were given delayed notices allowing the driver to continue, on condition the defect is rectified within a certain time and a full MOT obtained before the prohibition on the vehicle is removed. The main faults found were defective tyres and excessive tints on window glass. Of the vehicles looked at, one was found to be overloaded and the driver given a caution.

Slough PC Bob Wade said: “We are still finding a lot of vehicles that have defects that and therefore drivers need to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and check them before use, not just for the MOT but all year round. Drivers who wish to flout the law regarding seat belts and the use of mobile phones have nobody to blame but themselves and need to be aware that they will be caught.”

Thames Valley Police ~ Slough

Crimes such as burglary, robbery, drug offences and anti-social behaviour are falling across Slough police area at present, compared to the same period last year, but did you know that a high percentage of some incidents could have been easily avoided?

Since the beginning of this year to earlier this month, approximately sixty-seven of burglaries and seventy thefts from motor vehicles occurred as a result of insecure doors and windows across the Slough borough.

This is a large percentage of avoidable Slough crime where burglars and thieves have been encouraged – albeit not intentionally – to break into people’s cars and homes.

With the summer months and holiday season well and truly upon us, it is timely for Slough Thames Valley Police and their partner agencies to remind people of some crime prevention tips to avoid being targeted by burglars and opportunist thieves.

Burglars don’t like locked windows as the sound of breaking glass attracts attention to them. With an insecure property their job is easy and they can be in and out of your property in seconds. If you are in the garden make sure a thief cannot sneak inside your home through an open door or window.

Sadly, thieves will also not let an opportunity to break into a vehicle pass them by when valuables are left on display. The first place for them to search is glove boxes where, more often than not, motorists will leave their sat navs and mobile phones. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so the advice is always to remove valuables.

As the warmer weather brings Slough people outside to socialise, it is also important to remember the effects that anti-social behaviour can have on others. This ranges from loud music, street drinking, and rowdy, inconsiderate behaviour or noise. However, it is worth noting that overall levels of anti-social behaviour have reduced by 19 per cent in the borough, which is good news.

The Slough Community Safety Partnership, made up of representatives of Thames Valley Police, Slough Borough Council and other agencies, works hard all year round to try and prevent people from becoming victims of crime. Their work includes holding crime prevention road shows in prominent locations; delivering talks in local schools; visiting vulnerable people in the community; chasing the ‘bad guys’ and putting them before the courts when efforts to rehabilitate have otherwise failed.

Supt Richard Humphrey, Slough police commander, said: “Slough is becoming safer all the time, and it is really positive to see that crimes such as burglary, robbery, anti-social behaviour and assault have reduced.

“We are working hard with our partners to identify those responsible for these offences and do all we can to bring them to justice.

“We are improving our ability to detect crime, through the use of advanced forensic techniques and good old fashioned police work. As a result, we are currently detecting more crime in Slough than we have for some time.

He added “However, we need the public to play their part and take sensible precautions to reduce their chances of becoming a victim – open windows and valuables on display are like an open invitation to thieves.

“I have made it clear to local criminals that if they do not take responsibility for their offending and, with support, stop committing crime, then my officers will pursue them relentlessly.

“I want offenders to know that there is an alternative to a life of crime but if they do not take it we will catch up with them and will deal with them robustly.”

He concluded: “My primary aim is to reduce crime. We will continue to serve victims tirelessly and investigate crimes thoroughly, but we need the public’s help in doing so. I need everyone to be vigilant and make it difficult for the thieves to operate in Slough.

“If you have a neighbour who needs a bit of support, take the time to make sure they are keeping themselves and their property safe. If you see windows open or property on open display, tell them as you may just prevent a crime yourself.”

If you have any information regarding Slough people committing offences or ideas on how police and their partners can reduce crime, and keep people and property safe, please contact a member of your neighbourhood team by dialling 0845 8 505 505. This is Thames Valley Police 24 hour non emergency number. If you do not wish to speak to police or leave your name, then call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Slough

Slough Police are appealing for witnesses after two people were robbed of their personal belongings in Chalvey, and property was damaged at the weekend.

A number of calls were received by Slough police at around 2am on Sunday (25/7) following reports of a disturbance in the High Street, Chalvey.

It soon became apparent that a Slough woman had her purse stolen by offenders, who also stole a wallet from a man who tried to apprehend them. Both victims were known to each other.

The incident happened in the vicinity of the Murco Garage.

Police are currently investigating how many offenders were involved in the incident; however they believe that they were part of a Slough group of approximately seven black males, aged between 16 and 20.

One Slough offender had his hair plaited, wearing a gold square stud in his left ear, and a grey jumper with a purple logo and a white hood. He was of slim build, slightly under 5ft 9ins, and aged between 17 to 18-years-old.

A second teenager is described as being of similar height and age, of slim build, with a round face and was wearing a black jumper with a purple hood.

Two of the teenagers were seen riding bikes.

The group of Slough teenagers are also believed to have caused criminal damage to a passing vehicle and a nearby residential property.

Investigating officer, PC Teranjeet Finn, said: “Although we received a number of calls on the night in question, I’m keen to hear from anyone who has information but has not yet contacted police. Someone may have heard or seen something of note, which may prove vital to our investigation.

“Nearby CCTV cameras are being reviewed as part of the investigation.”

Slough PC Finn can be contacted via the 24 hour police enquiry centre on 0845 8 505 505. Those who do not wish to speak to police or leave their name should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Slough

Kids of all ages are being invited to play the day away on Wednesday 4 August as Slough Borough Council’s Play Day comes to Salt Hill Park.

From 12 noon to 4pm there will be Slough activities galore in the park including:

* Table top games and French boules – with Slough and District Sports Association for the Disabled (SADSAD)
* Biscuit decorating with Women’s Aid
* Story time and colouring with Slough Libraries
* Tactile play with Special Voices
* Pots a pot (and decorate it) with Slough Wexham Nursery
* Cheerleading taster sessions with Free Spirit
* Digging for fossils and brick building with Slough Museum
* Drumming workshops with SWIPE
* Martial arts taster sessions with the FuJau Academy
* Big art
* Junk modelling
* Den building with Slough Sure Start
* Decorate a mug with Sure Start
* Reptile Zoo
* Face painting and fake wounds
* Slough Youth bus – with dance workshops
* Making snails and dragonflies out of wallpaper

The Slough police are also bringing down a vehicle for visitors to explore and there may be a visit from their dog unit. Berkshire Fire and Rescue will also be there giving out advice.

Salt Hill Café will be open, an icecream van will be onsite and there will be toilets available.

Megan Hurley, Slough Borough Council’s play coordinator, said: “Wednesday 4 August is when we want as many children as possible packing Salt Hill Park and playing the day away.

“There will be lots to see and do and everything is completely free and open to all ages.”

She added: “Playing is a fundamental part of childhood and this is a great opportunity for children and their parents to try out new ways to play and new activities.

“The event is a celebration of all that is fun, messy and exciting about play and I would encourage all local residents with children to come down and give it a try.”

Councillor Natasa Pantelic, commissioner for Slough children’s services, said: “Salt Hill Park is a great place to have fun on a normal day, with the new play area now installed, the café open for business and tennis courts.

“I hope lots of children will come and join in with play day on 4 August and have fun with all the extra activities taking place. I am looking forward to it!”

Slough Borough Council

Would you like to learn something new? Then the Slough adult courses run by the council could be for you.

The new Slough lifelong learning brochure for the autumn is now out and is packed full of ideas and opportunities from English or computer courses to cake decorating and flower arranging.

Slough Residents can pick up a brochure at local libraries and from MyCouncil on the High Street.

The brochure is also available online on the lifelong learning pages.

Councillor Fiza Matloob, commissioner for Slough opportunity and skills, said: “There is a varied range of courses on offer – some can help people get employment and extra skills and some are just for fun.

“I would encourage everyone to take a look and discover how enjoyable it is to learn something new.”

Enrolments take place in September:
At the Thomas Gray Centre, Queens Road on:

* Tuesday 7 September: 9.30am – 12.30pm and 5.30pm – 7.30pm
* Wednesday 8 September: 9.30am – 12.30pm and 5.30pm – 7.30pm
* Thursday 9 September: 9.30am – 12.30pm

And at Slough and Eton Adult School Adult Learning Centre, Ragstone Road on:

* Tuesday 7 September: 9.30am – 2.30pm and 5.30pm – 7.30pm
* Wednesday 8 September: 9.30am – 2.30pm and 5.30pm – 7.30pm
* Thursday 9 September: 9.30am – 2.30pm
* Friday 10 September: 9.30am – 12.30pm

Anyone wanting more information can call the life long learning team on 01753 476611 or e-mail lifelonglearning@slough.gov.uk.

Slough Borough Council

A man has pleaded guilty to stealing a handbag from a car in Wexham Street, Slough, on Monday evening (19/7).

Ricky Dean Harman, aged 32, of no fixed abode, admitted the offence at Slough Magistrates’ Court on 21/7, and was remanded in custody to appear before the same court on Thursday 12 August for sentencing.

Harman was found not guilty of breaching bail conditions set by the court on 6 July 2010.

Thames Valley Police ~ Slough

Slough has 40 brand new homes for birds, thanks to volunteers who spent Saturday 17 July building bird boxes to be put up at Herschel Park.

Two styles of deluxe detached Slough properties were constructed:

* a box with single round entrance to accommodate sparrows and tits
* a box with an open fronted entrance to attract robins and wrens

The carefully crafted homes are now in storage and will be put in position in Herschel and other parks in Slough later in the year, in time for next year’s breeding season.

The Slough bird box building project was part of the £2.7million Herschel Park restoration project, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, which aims to restore the park back to its former Victorian glory.

Tony Down, Slough Herschel Park management officer, said: “My thanks go to the team of volunteers who worked very hard to create the wonderful bird boxes.

“We have lots more volunteering opportunities coming up so even more people can get involved in making Herschel Park as stunning and full of wildlife as it once was.”

For more information on the Herschel Park restoration or to get involved contact Tony Down on 01753 875209 or e-mail tony.down@slough.gov.uk.

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council has successful defended an appeal against a planning enforcement notice it served last November against Tan House Farm in Colnbrook.

The appeal took place last month as a public inquiry at the Slough council’s offices and the enforcement notice, which has been upheld by the planning inspectorate, now seeks to clear unauthorised mechanical plant, machinery and other commercial items stored in an open field at Tan House Farm.

It means the council has secured the protection of this particularly sensitive green belt location for the benefit of the Colnbrook community, backed the council in this decision.

Slough’s planning enforcement service aims to continue protecting the environment and the amenities of the community.

Alan Mcmillen, interim head of Slough planning and strategic policy, said: “Tan House Farm has been blighted by various unauthorised activities in the past and has caused much upset for residents.

“In welcoming the inspector’s decision, Slough’s planning enforcement service will work to ensure they comply with the enforcement notice.”

Commissioner for Slough neighbourhoods and renewal, Cllr James Swindlehurst said: “This will be a very welcome ruling for local people, who have suffered as a result of this unauthorised use of a particularly sensitive piece of protected green belt land.

“We have stepped up enforcement work of this type across Slough to clamp down on inappropriate uses of land. While we endeavour to be fair in our approach we will not tolerate breaches of the rules, and where appropriate we will take enforcement action.”

Slough Borough Council

A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm with intent following an incident at a pizza restaurant in Slough on Monday 28 June.

Ilie-Marius Bulgaru, aged 22, of High Street, Chalvey, Slough was arrested and charged last week. He appeared at Slough Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (8/7), where he was remanded in custody until his next court appearance at Reading Crown Court on Monday 19 July.

The Slough incident to which the charge relates happened at about 3pm on 28 June, when a member of staff at Pizza Hot 4 U in Chalvey Road West sustained a serious injury to his eye.

Thames Valley Police ~ Slough