Reading BID Wardens receive a commendation from Thames Valley Police

18th December 2024

Reading Business Improvement District's two BID wardens, James Eden and Gary Nicholls, have received a Commendation of Excellence from Thames Valley Police for their outstanding efforts and support in Reading town centre. 

Last night we celebrated some of their outstanding recent achievements, keeping Reading town centre safe and welcoming for all who visit. During January to October 2024, our wardens recovered an incredible £62,869 worth of stolen stock from town centre businesses. They also:

📱 Worked with Reading Buses to apprehend two offenders who stole a brand new iPhone

🔎 Identified an offender from the back of their head, to update a business’ crime reference

❌ Prevented a known pick-pocketer from stealing from a local resident

💸 Recovered over £1000 from a town centre retailer in one single month

📍 Recovered stock and prevented an offender from selling on stolen goods from one town centre business to another

💗 Helped a visitor on crutches who slipped over in bad weather by taking him to a safe place

🚨 Arrested the offender and recovered £2000 worth of stolen goods from a known pick-pocketer

👮 Detained an offender, who had stolen £3500 worth stock, who was then was arrested by the police

📍 Safely located a local missing resident who had dementia

👋 Attend regular visits to all BID businesses, offering support and advice for any issues they face

Alexa Volker, Reading BID Manager, said: "Our Business Wardens provide critical support to town centre businesses, residents and visitors seven days per week, year round. We are so proud of their achievements and welcome this exceptional recognition from Thames Valley Police. Thank you, James and Gary for all your brilliant work!"

Find out more about the Reading BID team and the work they do in Reading town centre.