Matt Rodda, MP for Reading East, met recently with Superintendent Stan Gilmour, the Thames Valley Police Area Commander for Reading, to discuss crime and the various community initiatives taking shape in and around the town to help tackle some of the contributory factors that lead towards criminal behaviour.

After detailed discussions concerning some of the projects which Superintendent Gilmour is involved in with local community groups and organisations around Reading, both he and Matt had a walk around the town centre streets to discuss the ongoing daily issues of crime, homelessness, street begging and rough sleeping.

Matt said:
“I have found today’s meeting with Superintendent Gilmour to be extremely helpful and informative. It was particularly encouraging to hear about some of the projects the police are running to help stop young people from getting drawn into crime.

“However, it is clear that officers are under considerable and growing pressure due to Government cuts. Ministers need to reconsider their approach and give our hard working police the resources they need to keep our community safe.”