Bank robber sent to jail

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@wokingham.today

WOODLEY bank robber jailed

A MAN has been jailed for a robbery in Woodley, following an investigation by Thames Valley Police.

Shaun Atkins, 40, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to eight years in prison, with an extended licence period of four years, at Reading Crown Court on Monday, May 22.

He pleaded guilty to one count of robbery in March.

At around 8.30am on January 18, Atkins and another offender robbed Lloyds Bank in Crockhamwell Road, manhandling staff in the process.

The other offender made off in a vehicle while Atkins walked out with a large quantity of cash

Officers arrested Atkins at the scene. The other offender had fled before police arrived.

Three members of staff suffered minor injuries but did not require hospital treatment.

A 30-year-old woman from Woodley was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery. She was released with no further action.

A 29-year-old woman from Twyford, was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery on February 2. She was released under investigation.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Wasim Akram, of the Bracknell & Wokingham Priority Crime Team, based at Loddon Valley police station, said: “This was a terrifying ordeal for the Lloyds Bank staff and members of public who were on the school run that morning, some of whom are still struggling to come to terms with what happened.

“Our immediate response to the robbery by two PCs and the initial good work thereafter are a big part of why Shaun Atkins was detained.

“That work, along with the support of the victims and witnesses, ultimately brought him to justice with a lengthy prison sentence.

“All the victims are still recovering from this ordeal but I hope this sentence will help aid their recovery and offer closure on what was a very difficult experience.

“We have been working hard to find the outstanding offender but anyone with information about them who hasn’t already spoken to us should call 101 or make a report on our website, quoting 43230025811.”

Police release CCTV images after Elms Walk shoplifting incident

THAMES Valley Police has released CCTV images of individuals that officers would like to speak to as they may have vital information regarding an incident of shoplifting in Wokingham.

The incident occurred at around 2.15pm on Wednesday, March 29, at Little Miss Piggy in Elms Walk, Wokingham.

The offenders stole more than £800 worth of baby clothes. The vehicle the offenders left in was a Peugeot 308 estate.

Investigating officer, PC Amy Knowles based at Loddon Valley police station, said: “We would like to

Summer run series returns to Dinton

AN EVENING run could end up being memorable for all the right reasons as an annual summer race returns.

The Dinton Summer Series, organised by Barnes Fitness, will be held on Thursday, June 8.

Starting at 7.30pm, there will be two routes around the country park, one at 5km and the other 10km.

The routes are flat, with the only difference being whether runners do one lap or two.

Runners will have a chip, with a result available as soon

The devil and the deep blue sea?

THE SEA is the inspiration for a new theological lecture and discussion coming to Reading town centre next week.

The regular gathering will welcome Susie Templeton, a priest, pioneer minister and a former naval chaplain. She will share her researches on the spirituality of the oceans in a talk entitled The Sea as a Place of Spiritual Encounter: Exploring Mission in a Post-Secular World. It will be followed with an appeal to anybody who recognises the people in these images to please get in touch as they may have vital information about this incident.

“You can get in touch by either making a report online or by calling 101, quoting reference number 43230139121.

“Alternatively, for 100% anonymity, you can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.” n To make a report online, visit: www.thamesvalley.police.uk

Drive safely call

as the finish line is crossed. There are trophies for the top three finishers in different categories.

This is the 11th year the event has taken place, and there are similar events on Thursdays July 13 at 7.30pm, and August 10, from 7pm.

Places cost £21 for the 5km race and £23 for the 10km race.

n For more details, log on to: www.barnesfitness.co.uk/ dinton-summer-series-2/, or call Ellie Barnes on: 07872 805883.

opportunity to ask questions and debate.

The Café Théologique event is organised by the University of Reading Chaplaincy and is a space to explore contemporary issues from a theological perspective.

It takes place from 7.30pm on Monday, June 5, from Zerodegrees in Bridge Street. People can join from 6pm and order food before the meeting.

It will also be available to tune in to via Zoom and Facebook.

The Zoom meeting is: u.nu/cafetheo, its meeting ID is: 994 1078 8443, and passcode: 511541. The Facebook event link: https://fb.me/ e/2VRcyQ4aV

THAMES Valley Police has urged the public to drive safely after announcing that it was investigating high numbers of fatal collisions in May.

Between Tuesday, May 9, and Sunday, May 28, officers have attended and dealt with nine fatal road traffic collisions in the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire area.

All of these fatal collisions are thought to have involved one or more of what they call the “Fatal 4” factors, which are the leading causes on serious injury and death on UK roads.

These are the use of excessive speed, failure to wear a seatbelt, using a mobile phone, and drink or drug driving.

Detective Chief Inspector Mike Bettington, of the Roads Policing Unit, said: “We need the public to slow down, wear their seatbelts, not use their phones and not drink/drug drive.

“This is the case every day but we’re noticing the impact more so as we reach the warmer months.”

He explained: “Any one of these offences can and tragically do lead to loss of life on our roads and unless all of the public adhere to these basics we will continue to suffer needless fatalities.”