Crime fall means safer streets in Burnham

The public can walk 'without fear' in Burnham after a crackdown that has seen anti-social crime drop by nearly two-thirds in a year, according to police.

Officers launched a concerted campaign to address the problem after constant complaints about intimidation and nuisance crime.

CCTV cameras were installed to drive out gangs lurking in the Maypole Road area which was suffering from burglary, criminal damage and thefts from vehicles.

Extra patrols were also used by the Burnham, Taplow, Dorney and Farnhams neighbourhood police team to raise police visibility in problem areas and in periods when complaints would always increase - Christmas, new year, Halloween and bonfire night.

Their work has seen the number of anti-social offences drop by 64 per cent from 154 to 55 from 2012/13 to 2013/14.

Sergeant Steve Bobbett, who heads the neighbourhood team, believes the team effort has helped restore public confidence.

"People can go down alleyways without fear," he said.

"I think for those that can remember Burnham a few years ago back when there was egging, graffiti, intimidation and drunken hi-jinks it's definitely an improvement.

"We've had a particularly good year.

"There's always a chance it could increase but at the moment it's all good."

Sgt Bobbett added the CCTV tactics used in Maypole Road could also be used in other problem areas.

The landlord of The Olive Tree pub in nearby Eastfield Road, Bernie Kendall, said she had not seen any trouble since coming to the area about a year ago.

“It’s been fine here, not a problem,” she said.

“A lot of people say it was terrible but I’ve not come across anything.”

Team member PC Anna Davison also believes Burnham is now a better place to live.

"Certainly people's quality of life has improved," she said.

"People have a lot of pride in Burnham.”

She added: "They're pleased it's not tarnished by that reputation any more."