Wycombe West August ASB Update

Over the last week, we have unfortunately seen the tragic consequences that anti-social use of vehicles can have.  Last month, we received a number of reports regarding anti-social riding of motorbikes in Booker Park, Squirrel Lane and Desborough Recreation Ground.  In response, we put an operation in place to identify and apprehend those responsible.  As a result, two individuals were identified and two motorcycles were seized and subsequently destroyed.

Parents and guardians have an important role to play in helping young people understand the difference between right and wrong. Unfortunately, we still see occasions where unacceptable behaviour is enabled rather than challenged. E-bikes and e-scooters are a good example.  If you purchase one for your child, please ensure it is legal for its intended use and that it is being ridden lawfully.  Many e-bikes and most privately owned e-scooters cannot legally be used on public roads, pavements or public spaces.  Vehicles found being used unlawfully may be seized.

Here in Wycombe, the Neighbourhood Policing Team will be placing an even greater focus on vehicle-related offending and anti-social behaviour.  Only a year ago, High Wycombe was ranked 6th amongst the highest areas in the country for uninsured vehicles.  Recent figures show significant improvement.  While I do not currently have the latest ranking available, I have no doubt that a more robust and proactive approach is having a positive impact.

Working alongside our Roads Policing Team on 6 August, we achieved the following results:

In total, this day of action resulted in:

A further day of action took place on 16 August, although I do not yet have the results available to share.

As many residents will be aware, High Wycombe's diverse community means we can experience seasonal increases in the use of fireworks throughout the year. This summer, we saw a significant increase in reports of fireworks being set off late at night.  Given the hot weather and heightened risk of wildfires, this was particularly concerning.

PCSO Napier received a number of complaints from residents during a Have Your Say event at Booker Park regarding fireworks that had been causing disruption over the previous week. Information provided by the community allowed us to identify the address involved, and anti-social behaviour warning letters were issued to occupants.

Finally, we have recently been in discussions with DVLA management, who have agreed to support targeted activity in areas of Wycombe affected by persistent vehicle-related issues.  Joint days of action focusing on untaxed vehicles are being planned and we look forward to sharing the results with you in the coming months.

Thank you to everyone who continues to report concerns and provide information. Your support helps us tackle anti-social behaviour, improve road safety and make our communities safer for everyone.