High Wycombe Updates - Neighbourhood Policing Priorities - Drugs

Thank you to all of those who took the time to complete our neighbourhood policing priorities survey to vote on what the top issues are for your local community.  The final results for the Wycombe areas were:

1; Anti-social behaviour with 338 votes.   

2; Speeding 306 votes 

3; Drugs with 305 votes. 

For those wondering what was 4th and 5th, this was theft from motor vehicle with 92 votes and finally burglary with 91 votes.  To have your say, make sure you sign up to Thames Valley Alerts: 

Home Page - Thames Valley Alert   

The new survey will be out this month so make sure your you cast your vote.

You said: You are concerned about drugs!

We did:  In April we carried out a proactive operation in the Castlefield area.  With support from Roads Policing and our police dogs, we saw some very positive results with 13 arrests and 5 cars recovered.  We also seized drugs, stolen property and money.

When there are repeat reports of anti-social behaviour at a property or location, the police will discuss with partner agencies to decide if a closure order should be put in place. This can stop visitors going to the address and in some instances expel the actual resident. These orders will normally be in place for 3 months but can be extended for a further 3 months if needed.  Frequently the problems are drug related, whether that is the use of drugs or drug dealing.  There are also cases of individuals taking over the homes of vulnerable people to use it as a base for selling drugs, we call this method of exploitation “cuckooing”.  Closure Orders that we currently have in place are at:  Micklefield Road, Olympic Way, Gayhurst Road, Spearing Road, Cheviot Close in Downley and Damson Ct.  The neighbourhood team will conduct checks to make sure the orders are being adhered to and arrest people who are in breach of them. 

Unfortunately the anti-social behaviour legislation we have available to us is not always suitable for cuckooing victims.  We are currently investigating a case where a house was taken over for drug dealing activities and the victim was subsequently forced to move out.  These cases are frequently complex as civil laws also have to be considered.  If you do have concerns for a neighbour or family member and believe that they could be at risk, check up on them, be supportive and most importantly, report to the police. 

Nitrous Oxide (NOS) is a frequently growing issue we are seeing throughout Wycombe.  Under The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 it is now an offence to: Possess/attempt to possess Nitrous Oxide for wrongful inhalation, supply/ attempt to supply Nitrous Oxide for wrongful inhalation, Conspire/offer to supply Nitrous Oxide for wrongful inhalation and Permit use of premise for supply of Nitrous Oxide for wrongful inhalation. 

We are receiving multiple reports of anti-social behaviour at a number of locations where the use of nitrous oxide is taking place.  Talks have been taking place with the Council and NHS around this risk. Nitrous Oxide is highly dangerous despite its current Class C classification and relatively recent ban, we have had several cases in our area of young men being paralysed from using it.  We are working on circulating warning messages and education around the risks that include: heart attacks, fainting, bone marrow suppression, breathing difficulties and nerve damage.  The risks increase when the gas is used in combination with drink and other drugs. 

As local residents have likely already seen for themselves, these canisters are littered around carelessly when used and staff from the council have further communicated the sheer volume of waste that NOS usage is producing and the difficulties of disposal.   

We understand NOS is a most prominent issue among the youth due to it being cheap, providing an instant, short hit and it does not have a particularly pungent smell. Please intervene if a young person or anyone close to you abuses NOS. For more information on the risks, please watch the following video link.   https://youtu.be/-iipPsZL5NU?si=X04WXTEKmhi-kBzI  

You can also seek assistance from our partner agencies such as One Recovery Bucks who are on hand to provide advice.