Dear Thames Valley Alert members,

I write in response to numerous public enquiries which have been prompted by a social media warning, broadcast by local parish councils and community groups (as attached).

I wish to reassure you that my officers and I are busily planning a robust policing response, regarding this matter. This work has been ongoing for a number of weeks, and includes specialist teams, partner agencies, and centrally-held police resources.

I appreciate the intent behind the Facebook alert, but I am equally conscious that these pony & trap groups operate a sophisticated digital network, which likely includes monitoring social media channels. Whilst our plans have always included means to warn the effected members of the community, so as to allow pre-emptive action, I would ask that the information on open-access social media is closely managed, to guard against the risk of compromising this work.

I recognise that the community perceives inaction on the part of the police, on this issue: elected Members of Parliament have been briefed on the intricacies of this matter, and the need for a longer-term, partnership solution. As the primary enforcement agency, the police very much hold a role within this work, and have developed a tiered response, which is tailored to the specific circumstances of any given incident: This can range across a variety of scenarios, from a sole rider exercising their horse, to a large-scale event with hundreds of attendees and evident dangers presented to road-users. It is easy to overlook the successes which police have achieved in this regard: as an example, I would offer the swathe of resulting prosecutions which were generated by a recent race, in mid-December. I do not suggest that the policing response has always been as would be preferred, but this alludes to the more complex discussion, of a sole agency response; subject to the varying demand of urgent calls for service, from the wider public. It is anticipated, with the advanced notice offered in this case, and collaborative planning between partner agencies, we are maximising our prospects to successfully manage what is predicted.

Recognising that a lack of information can readily prompt effected parties to presume inaction or disinterest, I can reassure you that this is certainly not the case, and would ask for the community to provide my team and I the time required to advance the work we have ahead of us. It is important that the community has confidence in the policing it receives, yet fielding multiple queries will currently only serve to distract from our continued efforts.

Thank you for your continued support.

Kind Regards,