Chepping Wye Valley

Reports were received regarding ongoing anti-social behaviour in the Green Street area of Hazlemere involving groups of youths riding e-scooters in a careless manner and gathering in public spaces. Concerns were also raised about youths starting small fires, creating a risk to public safety and causing alarm to local residents. The behaviour was impacting community confidence and generating repeated reports to police and partner agencies.

Neighbourhood officers conducted enquiries and carried out engagement with local residents to identify those involved. Through partnership working with the local school, the youths responsible were identified and addressed. Information was shared with the school, enabling appropriate intervention with both the students and their parents. High-visibility patrols were conducted in the area to provide reassurance to residents, deter further incidents and gather intelligence. Advice was provided regarding the dangers associated with e-scooter use and fire-setting behaviour, and the situation continues to be monitored through ongoing neighbourhood policing activity and liaison with the school and community partners.

A residential burglary was reported at Thanstead Court, Loudwater, causing concern within the local community and increasing residents' fear of crime. The offence occurred during a period where daylight hours are reducing, historically a time when burglary offences can increase as properties are left in darkness for longer periods. Concerns were raised regarding the potential for repeat victimisation and the wider impact on community confidence and feelings of safety within the area.

Following the burglary, officers implemented increased high-visibility patrols in and around Thanstead Court and the surrounding Loudwater area. As part of Operation Grotto, targeted patrols were conducted during key risk periods, particularly during the afternoon and evening hours when darkness falls earlier. Officers carried out reassurance visits, engaged with local residents, and provided tailored crime prevention advice, including guidance on home security, lighting, CCTV, property marking and reporting suspicious activity. Patrol activity was focused on deterring offenders, gathering community intelligence and increasing police visibility to provide reassurance to residents. Neighbourhood officers continue to monitor the area and conduct regular patrols to reduce the likelihood of further offences and maintain public confidence.

There has been an increase in reports, intelligence submissions and community concerns relating to suspected drug use and associated anti-social behaviour on Rose Avenue. Residents have highlighted concerns regarding individuals congregating in the area, suspected drug activity and the negative impact this is having on community confidence. Information gathered indicates that some individuals are travelling to the location by vehicle to engage in drug-related activity, creating additional concerns around traffic, parking and the potential movement of drugs into the area.

Neighbourhood officers have conducted local 'Have Your Say'; events to engage directly with residents, listen to concerns, gather community intelligence and provide reassurance regarding ongoing police activity. High-visibility foot patrols have been increased at key times to disrupt offending, improve public confidence and maintain a visible policing presence within the area.
Officers are using intelligence-led patrol tactics and are actively utilising stop and search powers where lawful grounds exist. Vehicles suspected of being linked to drug activity are being monitored and stopped where appropriate, with intelligence opportunities being maximised. Individuals encountered are subject to suitable intervention, including education around the consequences of drug use, safeguarding considerations where necessary and signposting to relevant support services. Local intelligence development remains ongoing, with neighbourhood officers continuing to work alongside partners and residents to identify offenders, disrupt criminality and improve the quality of life for those living in the area.