POLICE have issued advised after reports of an unauthorised encampment in a village near Wallingford last week. 

Officers received reports of a number of vehicles parked unlawfully at an estate off Benson Lane in Crowmarsh Gifford on Thursday (August 8). 

Benson Lane was blocked by vehicles in the late afternoon including several being parked around the housing estate.

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Residents called Thames Valley Police who stated the encampment had already left prior to their arrival.

There was also concerns posted online about an unauthorised encampment near Wallingford Bridge earlier in the week.

An unauthorised encampment is when an individual or a group of individuals with vehicles, move onto a piece of land not owned by them.

As a result, police have now issued advice on what residents can do if they are concerned about unauthorised encampments across the county.

A Thames Valley Police spokesperson said: “We received a report of an unauthorised encampment in French Gardens, Crowmarsh Gifford, at around 4.30pm on Thursday (8/8).

“Officers attended but the encampment had already left the scene.

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“The lead agency for responding to unauthorised encampments is the local authority and there is an agreement that they will work in partnership with police when responding to reports of encampments.

“If you have concerns about an unauthorised encampment you can call the police on 101 to make us aware of the presence of an encampment.

"More information is available on our website.”