Wycombe West NH - Top 3 Priorities

The top three areas of concerns from the most recent Community Survey.

1; Speeding 

2; Drugs

3; Anti-Social Behaviour

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Speeding

Operation Glare, our Speeding Enforcement operation, focuses on obtaining data for other Agencies to use in considering speeding measures, obstacles / furniture.   With all Agencies having to reduce spending we really need to be able to evidence the need for road improvements.   The police will share data of injury accidents, and this will assist in supporting the need for councils to look at speed reduction signs (MVAS).  Where there is a higher proportion of speeding, we will look to conduct future enforcement at those locations and see if we can get the Road Safety Van sited there.   Unfortunately, the officers who were assigned to Op Glare had to be pulled away from their speed checks to assist with the stabbing in the Town Centre on the 23rd.  Checks were carried out at Chapel Lane and Garretts Way.

Too truly make a difference with speeding, we need to make it seen as much as a taboo as drink driving.   You would challenge a friend about to drink drive so challenge them if they are speeding.

Speeding it is not worth the risk!

Drugs

When investigating drugs cases, some of the best results come from being notified of suspicious circumstances, by the public.  Information will be reviewed and checked to see if there is supporting evidence that would justify a warrant or further investigation.  A common complaint that we receive is, neighbours smoking cannabis in their homes or gardens and the smoke affecting the caller.   When we receive such complaints, we will send an officer to visit the problem neighbour and if there is evidence of drugs then we will deal appropriately.  This may be a warning letter, out of court disposal or potentially arrest if we come across drugs in our enquiries.

There is one current Closure Order in the Fryers Lane area or Wycombe.   These orders can result in some quite prohibitive conditions being attached by the court that can lead to visitors and even the householder being banned from their house.  The NH team executed a rapid entry drugs warrant on the Pastures, following concerns there were drug related activities taking place. This resulted in eight officers attending, the back door being broken down by an enforcer and persons being detained for searches.   An offensive weapon was discovered during the search.

ASB

We have noticed an increase in youth gang violence.  There are regular meetings in the town centre, of large groups of youths, who have been getting involved in fights and causing concern.    A group called the Y6 gang has come to notice.  There has been issues in the Bus Station and Eden, Downley and Hatters Lane.  We are currently looking at this group, and actions are being taken to reduce the impact on the community and to stop the behaviour escalating and kids getting themselves criminal records.   

All ASB cases are sent to the NH team, to review to see if there are any actions that we can put in place to resolve the problem.  Parking, land disputes, neighbours smoking cannabis and noise are the most common problems and often the best way to solve such issues is to use mediation services.   There is frequently resistance to this but if you do use the service, it is likely to make the situation better. Figures quoted by the service had this as high as in eight out of ten cases.  If you are having problems, please do look at the website: Alternativestoconflict.org.uk 

One male took a liking to living in a bin shed following him coming to the area for an appointment.   Unfortunately for the residents this caused them ASB with the noxious smells resulting from him living there.  The male was moved on.

We frequently get complaints about the use of E-bikes and scooters.   An e-scooter is a powered transporter under the current law is classed as a Personal Light Electric Vehicle, (motor vehicle).  You cannot ride it on your car insurance.  The police can stop you and demand your name.  If involved in an accident it will be treated the same as any other vehicle.   You cannot drink and ride one of these.  The police will seize these and look to have them destroyed. We are planning days of action and will be targeting an area near you.   

Other News

Looking at Theft and Burglary figures for Wycombe, year to date there has been a 25% reduction compared to the same timings last year.  What does that mean? Two hundred and ninety five less victims of theft.

Shoplifters, time to go straight.  Good old fashion Bobbies on the Beat in the Town Centre added to a new Retail Crime Investigation Unit is making an impact.  In December we achieved a 41% positive outcome rate.  With Wycombe Town having the most arrests and prosecutions.   Wycombe West was in second place.

Final note from the Sergeant

Seen something suspicious call it in on 999.

Look out for your neighbours’ properties, especially when they are not home. If you see something that may require immediate police attention, such as a stranger climbing over a fence when no one is at home, please phone 999 immediately.  If something is not sitting right with you, act, do not be afraid to call the police.  You know your neighbourhood better than anyone else! 

Anyone can sign up for Neighbourhood Alerts.  If you would like to receive updates from the police of issues in your area, then go to www.thamesvalleyalert.co.uk.

The Neighbourhood Team are conducting burglary patrols with multiple units each night being tasked to proactively go out and patrol for offenders. 

It is in everyone’s interest to live in a nice area, achieving this goal is a community effort that requires residents to look out for each other and remain vigilant. Police will not always be around to witness suspicious or harmful activity, so we need you to speak up and report if you do see something concerning, whether it be for your own safety or someone else’s. There are a number of different methods you can use. Crimestoppers is the national anonymous reporting service for individuals who do not feel able to report to police directly, they can be contacted on 0800 555111 or via their website: Independent UK charity taking crime information anonymously | Crimestoppers. You can also report information to us on 101 or at Home | Thames Valley Police.  For emergencies or if you or anyone else are in immediate danger, always dial 999. 

Keep those eyes peeled and stay safe.