The number of anti-social behaviour incidents reported in Wallingford has jumped – with the riverbank becoming a ‘focal point’ over recent weeks.

Year-on-year figures released by Thames Valley Police revealed 29 incidents have been reported in 2023 compared to 18 in the same period last year.

A police spokesman claimed the rise showed 'growing confidence' in the force, which has recently increased the number of officers in the area.

Anti-social behaviour refers to an incident reported to police where no criminal offence has been committed.

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Speaking at the Wallingford Crime Summit on Thursday, June 15, neighbourhood inspector Neil Byrne, said: “There has been a rise over the last year, and we are speaking with the local team.

In his report, Inspector Byrne noted a ‘focal point’ for these incidents over the last six weeks had been the riverbank of the Thames.

With hotter weather have come reports of youths using private boats to jump into the water, as well as using bad language.

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Town councillor Steve Holder said: “The riverbank becomes a bit of a congregation for the youngsters to get in the river and cool down and have a fun time with their friends.

“But instead of being in the beach area, they tend to use the moorings as a bit of a launch pad as you can jump in at a bit of a height.

“Once they get a bit more confident, they then start to use the boats to jump off.

“They’re using the boats that haven’t got anyone on them at the time. They’re not intimidating anyone on them.

“But it causes problems with the boat owners. We have had some who said they are not coming back to Wallingford.”

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The issue of police presence in the town was raised at the crime summit, which was chaired by MP for Wantage, David Johnston, and featured Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber.

Wallingford Mayor Dan Beauchamp said: “I think there is generally a perception that the police aren’t in town, and they aren’t around.”

Recalling a recent incident where police had spoken to a group of youths in the town, he said such a small thing can make a massive impact.

Inspector Byrne said: “It would be nice, and I think we can all agree, that it would be really nice to have police officers in almost every ward or village.

“It is not possible with the numbers we are working with and the shift pattern that the police officers are working and their availability.”

A police spokesperson said: "Thames Valley Police encourages anyone who is a victim of crime to report it either via 999 in an emergency, 101 for non-emergencies or you can report online."