Sunday, 26 February 2012

• Prev
• Next

Kate Middleton marrying Prince William blamed for 'crime wave' in Duchess's home village of Bucklebury

Vandals smash car windows and burglaries rise

Kate Middleton's husband Prince William is away on a 6-week tour of the Falklands

Furious Bucklebury residents believe the rise to fame of former neighbour Kate Middleton, 30, has drawn unwanted attention to the tiny Berkshire parish - which has a population of around 2,000.

Kate married Prince William, 29, last April and the whole world wanted to know everything about the Queen's new granddaughter-in-law.

'Police have told me Bucklebury is now the No 1 crime spot in West Berkshire,' says Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator Brian Ward, 70.

'The Royal Wedding has made a lot of people aware of Bucklebury and thieves might be saying: "Why don't we go and rob people there?'

Vandals have smashed car windows, arsonists caused an explosion in a caravan and 3 burglaries have taken place in the village over the past month.

In all, 12 crimes have been reported since the beginning of the year - twice as many as the last 2 years put together.

'The disparate amount of crime in the Bucklebury area in the past six weeks has been identified,' Inspector PJ Binns tells the Mail On Sunday.

'Plans put in place to prevent further crime, catch the offenders and reassure local residents.'

SEE PICTURES Kate Middleton keeps dress hidden under chic grey coat at first Royal engagement without Prince William>>

SEE PICTURES Kate Middleton Style File>>

NEW PICTURES Kate Middleton and Prince William visit riot victims in Birmingham>>

NEW PICTURES Kate Middleton and Prince William dazzle in LA>>

NEW PICTURES See Prince William and Kate Middleton on their visit to Prince Edward Island in Canada>>

NEW PICTURES Kate Middleton dazzles in ARK event>>

Anna Duff