Figures released by trading standards and fraud investigators in West Berkshire, Bracknell Forest and Wokingham reveal that residents have been ripped off by more than a third of a million pounds.
New figures from trading standards and fraud investigators in West Berkshire, Bracknell Forest, and Wokingham show that residents have lost over £350,000 to scams.
West Berkshire has been hit the hardest, with losses amounting to £153,410. The Public Protection Partnership reported that these losses stem from unfair trading and fraud in the first quarter of the year.
Breaking it down, Bracknell Forest residents lost £43,510, while Wokingham faced losses of £107,012. This marks a significant rise from last year's £250,999 during the same period.
Despite the staggering losses, a total of £23,000 has been saved or recovered, which is similar to the previous year. There have been 56 reported incidents (5 in Bracknell Forest, 27 in Wokingham, and 24 in West Berkshire), an increase from 38 incidents recorded in 2024/25.
The average loss per victim stands at £5,422, with Wokingham victims losing an average of £3,963, Bracknell Forest victims £8,702, and West Berkshire victims £6,375.
Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter
