On the edge of Wantage, Kingsgrove was approved in 2015 and now hosts hundreds of residents. Eventually, it is planned to grow into a community exceeding 1,500 homes featuring a train station, supermarket, medical centre, and gym.
However, recent crimes reported at the new-build estate, including suspected anti-social behavior and car theft, prompted Preim, the site’s managing agents, to issue a statement.
A leader of the Kingsgrove Residents Group remarked, “There has been mass theft at Kingsgrove, and unfortunately, I, along with many others, have had items stolen from my car. This matter is with the police, and many of us have given statements.”
Emmy MacRitchie, a group member, noted that the entire estate had been targeted, with police confirming that “there is no singular place which is causing issues.”
A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police commented, “Incidents of anti-social behavior often increase during the summer period, and for us to effectively tackle the issue, we need people who are affected to report it.”
Thomas Tracy, Preim’s estate manager at Kingsgrove, acknowledged in a statement that there was “concern” while clarifying the “roles and responsibilities around these issues.” He stated, “Criminal matters, including drug activity and car crime, fall strictly within the remit of the police. As managing agents, Preim is not authorized to investigate or intervene in such incidents.”
The statement also advised that anyone witnessing criminal activity should contact the police. If anti-social behavior involves a resident and falls within the management company’s remit, appropriate steps will be taken.
Post-statement, Mr. Tracy mentioned the incidents seemed isolated rather than a persistent or ongoing issue, but Ms. MacRitchie emphasized the need for improved security measures on the new-build estate to deter future criminal activity. She recommended “cameras at the entrance and exit of the estate,” adding “more residents using security cameras and ring doorbells” would be beneficial.
Matthew Barber, Thames Valley’s Police and Crime Commissioner, highlighted that “vehicle crime” has significantly decreased in the past few years, but acknowledged it’s not entirely eradicated. He stated, “Prevention is always better than cure,” emphasizing proactive policing through sharing crime prevention messages and encouraging vigilance among residents.
Mr. Tracy noted any consideration for CCTV or security patrols would necessitate discussion and support from the Residents Management Company, especially regarding funding and long-term management.
Olly Glover, MP for Didcot and Wantage, who recently toured the Kingsgrove development, was approached for comment.
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