Drugs raids in Newtown and across Reading

A number of people have raised concerns with me about the increase in visible drug dealing in East Reading. I just received the press release from the police below. As always if you have any concerns the police can be contacted on the non-emergency number 101.

In reality though, we are not going to see real progress on drugs without serious reform, which Caroline Lucas has been campaigning for.

Thames Valley police press release:

Thames Valley Police has carried out a number of warrants in address across Reading this morning (7/5) as part of an operation to crack down on the supply of class A drugs.

More than 80 officers executed the warrants under The Misuse of Drugs Act at ten addresses across the town, as part of an investigation known as Operation Embankment.

Warrants have been executed at properties in the following locations:

• Eastgate Court, East Reading
• Wokingham Road, East Reading
• Dee Road, Tilehurst
• Rothwell Walk, Caversham
• Foxhays Road, Whitley
• Blandford Road, Whitley
• Two addresses in Hexham Road, Whitley
• Two address in Wincanton Road, Whitley

For further updates about the warrants please visit our website and Reading Twitter account @TVP_Reading

LPA Commander for Reading, Supt Stuart Greenfield said: “We would like to thank the residents of Reading for the support they have already given us in relation to Operation Embankment.

“I realise that carrying out such warrants can be distressing for communities, so I thank residents for their cooperation and patience.

“We will be conducting extra patrols in areas where warrants have been executed to provide reassurance to residents

“If you have any further information that might aid our operation then please contact the Force via the Thames Valley Police Enquiry centre on 101.

“If you don't want to speak directly to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.”