Maidenhead & Windsor

Seven people are in custody this afternoon (12/9) for allegedly taking part in a string of attacks on cars in Maidenhead during one weekend last month.

Six teenagers, aged between 13 and 19, together with a 20-year-old, were arrested at their homes during the early hours of this morning (12/9). Their arrests follow a co-ordinated operation which involved over twenty officers.

All seven are from the Maidenhead area and were arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage.

During the weekend of 12 and 13 August, approximately 25-30 vehicles were damaged in and around the surrounding areas of the Bombers Estate. The incidents were reported in the local press and titled ‘Weekend of madness’ in one newspaper.

The damage started during the late evening of 11 August through to the early hours of 12 August and then from the late evening of the 12th through to the early hours of the 13th. A number of calls were received to the control room from concerned residents.

Numerous cars had their windows smashed and three vehicles were pushed over onto their sides. The value of the accumulative damage amounted to several thousands of pounds.

Supt Dan Hale, local police commander for the Maidenhead Royal Borough, said:” This morning’s operation shows that we will thoroughly investigate crimes of vandalism, which have a serious impact on the lives of local people.

“Tackling criminal damage and the related anti-social behaviour is a key priority for Thames Valley Police and will we do everything in our power to ensure that such matters are dealt with appropriately and robustly.

“We have recently launched Operation Rebound which is part of our Force’s plan to tackle vandalism and related matters.

He added: “Some people seem to think that vandalising property will not hurt anyone. Actually it makes people feel unsafe.”

Maidenhead Community Safety Inspector Mark Millward, who co-ordinated this morning’s operation, said: “Local residents should not have to tolerate such behaviour from a handful of individuals.

”As part of our long-term strategy, there will be additional patrols involving police officers, PCSOs and special constables, to address issues relating to criminal damage and anti-social behaviour.

He added: “We are in the process of extending the dispersal order currently running in Pinkneys Green, Maidenhead, which ends on 30 September. We anticipate having the order extended by three months.”

Thames Valley Police ~ Maidenhead