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This Berkshire crime report captures the key incidents, community safety efforts, and police actions across towns including Reading, Slough, Maidenhead, and Newbury throughout 2025.

From retail theft to organised criminal networks and high-profile vandalism, 2025 has brought a wide range of business-related crime incidents to Berkshire.

Key article takeaways (TL;DR)

  • Berkshire businesses were affected by organised crime, theft, and vandalism throughout 2025.
  • Operation Machinize uncovered cash-based businesses in Slough and Wokingham used for money laundering.
  • Newbury’s Paddington Bear statue was stolen, highlighting cultural and retail-targeted crime.
  • Knife crime awareness sessions in Slough schools addressed youth safety and local concerns.
  • Increased surveillance, monitored CCTV, and access control are key deterrents for crime-prone areas.

Berkshire crime news stories

Bakery burglary in Caversham

A Berkshire bakery was raided overnight, leaving owners facing major losses and damage to property. 

Police investigations continue as businesses are urged to review their CCTV, alarm systems, and other preventive security measures to deter future break-ins.

As a result, local CCTV systems installers in Reading, are likely to be in high demand for security conscious businesses.

All in all, it’s a sorry state of affairs when nice, independently owned businesses local businesses become the victims of crime. 

Restaurant burglary in Slough

A popular restaurant in Slough was targeted in an early-morning break-in, causing disruption and costly repairs. 

The Slough restaurant burglary underlines how hospitality businesses remain vulnerable to theft and vandalism. 

Local police and CCTV installation companies in Berkshire are encouraging restaurant owners to improve overnight security at their premises.

Tools worth £20,000 stolen from tree surgery company

Local company, The Treeple were the victims of a near business ending theft.

Jake Smith, Andre Dubourg and Bobby Brown, who run the company, had to borrow a huge amount of money to keep their business going after thieves stole £20,000 of tools.

The thieves cut the locks off the storage container storing the contents and simply helped themselves.

Commenting on the impact of the theft, one of the owners said:

“Once these tools are gone they’re so hard to track down – they’re sent abroad, they’re sent to car boot markets.”

Reading police arrest two shoplifters and find stolen goods

In addition to capturing the arrest of two shoplifters, Thames Valley Police also uncovered and seized a haul of stolen goods in Reading.

All in all this highlights the ongoing issue of retail crime across the county.

A spokesperson for the force said “Throughout the night we completed searches and located even more suspected stolen items.

“Safe to say that our evidence store room is close to capacity, and the two suspects remain in custody.”

Organised crime: Money laundering crackdown hits Slough and Wokingham

As part of Operation Machinize, barbershops and vape shops in Slough and Wokingham were raided in March by SEROCU, Thames Valley Police, and other agencies. The operation targeted cash-based businesses suspected of laundering criminal money.

Findings included:

  • £1,000 in illegal cigarettes
  • 100 wraps of Class B drugs
  • Unsafe premises and fire regulation breaches
  • One arrest for illegal working

Security Insight: Businesses that rely on cash transactions should ensure full regulatory compliance to avoid exposure to criminal infiltration. This includes the deployment of strict access control systems and covert, spy cameras to capture employee theft. 

£2 Million Copper theft from Huawei HQ in Reading

In one of the most high-value commercial thefts in recent memory, £2.15 million worth of copper wiring was stolen from Huawei’s former UK headquarters in Green Park, Reading. Alexandru Parole, part of a larger gang, was sentenced for his role in the multiple break-ins.

Security Insight: Empty commercial buildings must maintain active perimeter alarms, CCTV coverage, and intrusion detection, even when unoccupied.

Paddington Bear statue stolen from Newbury high street

In March, Newbury’s beloved Paddington Bear statue was stolen overnight from its public bench on Northbrook Street. The bronze artwork had become a cherished landmark for the town and a tribute to the bear’s creator, Michael Bond.

Security Insight: High-traffic public areas and installations like statues should be protected with tamper-resistant fixings and monitored CCTV.

Commercial vandalism in Maidenhead

Businesses on Queen Street in Maidenhead were targeted by vandals in January, with red paint thrown across multiple shopfronts in what locals called a “shocking” attack on local trade. Police are investigating CCTV and witness reports.

Security Insight: Prominent town centre businesses should consider adding front-facing security cameras and protective shutters to deter late-night vandalism.

Police investigate vandalism of Newbury’s Victoria Park ‘Mega Tower’

Unfortunately, there were reports on an incident of vandalism at a local play park in Newbury. Following the incident, the local council took the decision to close the paly park temporarily, whilst investigations took place. 

James Heasman, the town council’s parks and open spaces supervisor, said:

“This act of criminal damage has been reported to the police, and we are currently working with them to investigate the matter.”

Knife crime prevention: First aid workshop in Langley

In February, South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) held a free workshop for teens aged 11–18 in Langley, Slough, teaching life-saving interventions for knife crime injuries. The event, held at Kederminster Hall, was supported by Thames Valley Police and Slough Borough Council.

Security Insight: Youth-focused community education is essential in violence prevention and increasing public safety awareness.

The British Retail Consortium reported an all-time high of 55,000 shoplifting incidents per day across the UK. Berkshire towns like Reading and Slough continue to experience regular high-street thefts and abuse toward retail staff.

Security Insight: Retailers should review their in-store surveillance, train staff in de-escalation, and participate in local crime reduction partnerships.

Business crime prevention initiatives

Retail Crime Forum: Held in Reading in partnership with Thames Valley Police and local businesses.
More info

Thames Valley Neighbourhood Watch: Ongoing collaboration with businesses and police to share intelligence on prolific offenders.

Berkshire crime report – conclusion

Berkshire’s start to 2025 reflects a county confronting a diverse range of security threats. This includes serious organised crime and theft to vandalism and shoplifting in town centres. 

Local authorities and businesses must remain vigilant and proactive in their security planning.

For those keen to learn more about what’s happening in your county, read these crime stats for Berkshire from the team at Plum Plot. 

Other regional & sector specific crime reports

Keen to learn what’s happening in neighbouring countries or specific sectors impacted by crime?

Here’s a selection of other crime reports we’ve published:

Frequently asked questions

What types of business-related crime occurred in Berkshire during 2025?

Berkshire saw a mix of serious organised crime and property-related offences. This included retail theft, commercial vandalism, and a major money laundering operation involving barbers and vape shops in Slough and Wokingham that uncovered drugs, cash, and counterfeit goods.

What was Operation Machinize and how did it affect Berkshire businesses?

Operation Machinize was a major multi-agency crackdown on organised crime. It targeted businesses believed to be laundering criminal funds, leading to multiple raids in Slough and Wokingham. Authorities seized weapons, counterfeit cigarettes, and unsafe products from various premises.

How did retail and public landmarks become targets in Berkshire?

Retail crime included theft and vandalism of shopfronts, while high-profile incidents like the theft of the Paddington Bear statue in Newbury raised concerns about cultural and civic asset protection. These incidents highlight the need for improved public space surveillance.

What role did Slough schools play in addressing crime in 2025?

Slough schools hosted knife crime awareness sessions in collaboration with police and youth organisations. These initiatives aimed to educate pupils, prevent violence, and support long-term crime reduction through early intervention and safety awareness.

What impact did organised crime have on town centre businesses?

Local businesses suffered reputational harm and disruption during raids. Some operated unknowingly near criminal fronts, creating concern among retailers and residents. It underscored the need for visible deterrents like CCTV and regular police presence in high-risk areas.

How can businesses in Berkshire protect themselves from similar threats?

Installing monitored CCTV, maintaining good lighting, securing access points, and partnering with local policing teams can help deter crime. Businesses in town centres or near high-crime areas should regularly review their security systems and protocols.

Are crimes like those in Slough and Newbury part of a wider trend?

Yes. Towns across the UK are facing a rise in mixed urban crime—retail theft, antisocial behaviour, and money laundering operations. Berkshire’s 2025 incidents reflect national trends where businesses are used to front illicit activity or become unintended targets.