THAME’s MP, John Howell, has written to Thames Valley?s Chief Constable, Sara Thornton, demanding an urgent meeting with a senior police officer following, what he called “a spate of rural crimes on estates and common land across the constituency”.
Recent crimes, he said, have included lamping (night shooting of foxes and game), chasing deer with vehicles, destruction of crops, mindless maiming of animals, destruction of gates and fences with cars and setting cars alight.
“In addition,” continued Howell, “local residents have been intimidated from taking vehicle numbers or from trying to prevent the crimes by blocking access.
“Given how mindless and distressing this wave of crime is, it is not surprising that the strength of feeling locally is very strong on this issue.
“I am fully aware how stretched the police are, but I think it is necessary for them now to commit a senior officer to a public meeting with those affected so that we can discuss what real action can be taken.
“If we do not take action on this now, I am worried that a serious and life-threatening event might occur.”
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