Over 1,300 arrests made in Thames Valley Police summer crime crackdown
Safer Streets Summer campaign tackled urban crime across town and city centres
Thames Valley Police arrested more than 1,300 people between 30th June and 30th September as part of their summer campaign to combat crime and anti-social behaviour in town and city centres.
The operations were part of the national Safer Streets Summer initiative focused on creating safer urban spaces. An increased police presence and collaboration with community partners aimed to tackle problems including shoplifting and anti-social behaviour.
Assistant Chief Constable Christian Bunt said: “This summer, we've been doubling down on our constant efforts to tackle the crimes that blight our town and city centres, from anti-social behaviour to shoplifting.
“Every community deserves to feel safe, no matter where you live, so we have been building relationships, listening to local concerns and being where it matters most.
“Together with our partners, we are making town and city centres safer and making a lasting difference to communities by fighting crime and supporting victims.”
Arrests and patrols conducted
During the campaign, officers made 1,330 arrests across 30 hotspot locations for offences such as shoplifting, robbery, and theft. Arrests for shoplifting increased by 30% compared to the same period last year.
The police also secured 95 positive outcomes for retail crime, 25 for anti-social behaviour, and four for street crime. Outcomes included charges, out-of-court disposals, and community resolutions.
Over the summer, officers conducted more than 4,500 patrols and completed nearly 4,300 community and business engagements. These included roadshows, forums, and meetings to offer crime prevention advice and support victims.
Other achievements and upcoming plans
Among the notable operations was the recovery of around £21,500 worth of stolen goods and cash in Reading in July. Officers partnered with Reading’s Business Improvement Districts (BID) Wardens to locate stolen items, including sunglasses, cosmetics, and clothing.
ACC Bunt added: “We are proud of the breadth of work we have achieved this summer while managing numerous significant operations and incidents, as well as business as usual.
“However, we are always seeking to improve so tell us what matters to you – your concerns drive our priorities for making town and city centres in the Thames Valley safer.”
Thames Valley Police announced that their efforts will continue with a Winter of Action campaign running from 1st December 2025 until 31st January 2026, aiming to address seasonal challenges and maintain focus on urban crime and community safety.