Matthew Barber, Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Thames Valley has announced a Thames Valley Stalking Service providing specialist support to victims of stalking across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.

Matthew presented a number of commendations to officers and staff from Thames Valley Police, Milton Keynes City Council and the Crown Prosecution Service for their work on Operation Deter.

The Forensic Improvement Programme will see significant investment over the next three years to transform Thames Valley Police’s forensic services, improving investigations and the outcomes for victims. 

Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber said: “In a world of rapidly advancing technology, ensuring the police stay on the cutting edge of forensics is crucial to keeping the public safe.”

Four extra police officers, dedicated to tackling crime and anti-social behaviour in the Royal Borough, are proposed to be recruited to support community safety and enhanced local partnership working between the council and police.

Arrested, charged, remanded and convicted within 24 hours. Operation Deter see another swift conviction for knife possession in Slough, demonstrating Thames Valley’s zero-tolerance approach to knife crime.

First Stop are a night time first aid and pastoral care project, set up by Reading Borough Council with Transform Reading. They operate every Friday and Saturday night from 9pm to 3am in Reading town centre. Volunteers work alongside paramedics from South Central Ambulance Service and provide first aid and support to those who need it.