As a community it is right that we entrust our police officers to use force appropriately in order to protect us all. The robust training that the Thames Valley Police has in place is important to reassure us all that any use of force in policing should always be proportionate, lawful, appropriate and necessary. 

Farmers are under huge pressure. A challenging market place, new burdens from Government and the threat from rural crime. That’s why the relationship between rural communities and Thames Valley Police is so important, making it clear that we’re on the side of farmers who are feeding the nation.

The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) and Thames Valley Police has implemented a network of panels across the force area to scrutinise, challenge, and improve the service Thames Valley Police provide to its communities. The implementation follows a Governance Review that took place last year that recommended a more robust, consistent approach with increased community involvement.

Having already more than doubled the number of neighbourhood police officers in Thames Valley, I am delighted that my bid for additional funding has been successful. This means that Thames Valley Police can now recruit an extra 68 neighbourhood police officers over the coming year.

Investment fraud is one of the most common types of fraud and it can destroy lives and leave people feeling humiliated and helpless. Some feel guilty they were groomed or that their contacts were used to target other victims through social media, but only the fraudsters are at fault. People are being robbed of their life savings and future through more and more sophisticated scams many using AI impersonating loved ones. I urge those who have been affected to report investment fraud and seek support.

Last week I spoke to the Motorcycle Action Group about the new Crime & Policing Bill and what it might mean for reducing motorcycle theft and tackling antisocial riders.