Wycombe West

Anti-social behaviour is a priority issue for the Wycombe West neighbourhood team. Recently they have been dealing with vehicle related matters such as anti-social parking and anti-social driving of motorbikes. There have also been complaints of disturbances to the community at Booker Park where fireworks have been set off inappropriately.

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 sixth 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:
•One person arrested for causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
•One person arrested for dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, driving without insurance, driving whilst over the prescribed drug limit, and possession of a Class B controlled drug.
•One person arrested for possession with intent to supply Class A drugs. A significant quantity of cocaine was seized. They were also arrested for possession of a bladed article in a public place and possession of a Class B controlled drug.
•One person arrested on recall to prison.
•One person arrested for driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, driving without insurance, and two offences of making off without payment.
•One person arrested for driving whilst over the prescribed drug limit.
In total, this day of action resulted in:
•Six arrests
•Twenty traffic offence reports/tickets issued
•Two vehicle seizures
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 all 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.

Speeding is consistently voiced as a top concern by the local residents across the areas of Castlefield and Downley. The neighbourhood team continue to address these concerns via speed checks and enforcement days of actions.

Last month's update on speeding generated valuable feedback from the community, highlighting concerns on a number of roads across the area. We rely on this information to help identify problem locations and target our activity where it is most needed. If you are experiencing anti-social driving or speeding issues in your area, please report them via the Thames Valley Police website.
The team will continue to monitor local speeding hotspots and assess where future enforcement activity should be prioritised, including the potential deployment of the Road Safety Enforcement Van in locations identified as high risk.
Officers conducted patrols and enforcement activity last week in response to concerns raised by residents. Areas targeted included:
•West Wycombe Road
•The Pastures
•Pheasant Drive
•Hughenden Avenue
•Hithercroft Road
•Littleworth Road
•New Road
•Garrets Way
As a result of this activity, officers issued:
•Five tickets for excess speed
•Three tickets for other traffic offences
While police enforcement plays an important role in tackling speeding, enforcement alone cannot solve the problem. Speeding occurs on most roads and at all times of the day, particularly during peak commuting periods and late at night when roads are quieter. Making a meaningful reduction in speeding requires a collective effort from the entire community.
All road users should consider the very real risks associated with driving above the speed limit. Even small increases in speed can significantly increase both the likelihood and severity of a collision. Slowing down saves lives and helps keep Wycombe West a safer place for everyone.
If you would like to see how many collisions have occurred in your area, this information is publicly available and can be viewed on the Traffweb website
The team is also working to promote a cultural shift in how speeding is viewed. Much like drink-driving, we want speeding to be seen as socially unacceptable. Residents are encouraged to challenge family members and friends who regularly exceed speed limits and to promote safe and responsible driving habits. Creating safer roads is a shared responsibility.
I have also been engaging with local Parish Councils regarding Community Speedwatch schemes and exploring opportunities to secure funding through the Police and Crime Commissioner's Community Fund for speed monitoring devices and portable Vehicle Activated Signs (VAS).
Supporting Enforcement Technology
The area continues to benefit from both fixed speed cameras and mobile enforcement vans. These not only provide enforcement opportunities but also serve as highly visible deterrents to drivers who may otherwise put themselves and others at risk.
Results from enforcement activity during May included:
•64 offences detected by fixed speed cameras
•815 offences detected through mobile enforcement sites
These figures demonstrate the ongoing need for proactive speed enforcement and monitoring across our communities.
Speeding: It's Not Worth the Risk.
Every journey begins with a choice. Choosing to drive within the speed limit protects not only you, but everyone else using our roads. Together, we can make Wycombe West's roads safer for all.

The Wycombe West neighbourhood team continues to deal with drug offending in the area. It has been voted as a community priority by local residents who continue to be impacted by drug dealing and associated anti-social behaviour in the community.

Tackling Drug-Related Crime
The Wycombe West Neighbourhood Policing Team continues to take proactive action to tackle drug-related crime and the anti-social behaviour that often accompanies it. Through targeted operations, high-visibility patrols and partnership working, officers remain committed to addressing the issues that matter most to local residents.
The fight against drugs is relentless. Organised Crime Groups and local dealers continue to target our communities, exploiting young people, vulnerable adults and those who can be easily influenced. The harm caused by drug-related offending extends far beyond those directly involved, impacting families, neighbourhoods and local businesses.
August saw a significant result following joint work between the Neighbourhood Policing Team and the Neighbourhood Disruption Team. Several warrants were executed at locations across the area, resulting in a substantial seizure of nitrous oxide canisters (NOS) at one address. The seized items were subsequently destroyed, preventing them from being distributed within our communities.
This month, the Neighbourhood Team has also executed warrants in Downley, Booker and Sands. These operations are the culmination of many hours of work gathering intelligence, developing evidence, obtaining court authority and carrying out enforcement action. Investigations remain ongoing, and where sufficient evidence exists, offenders will be brought before the courts.
These results demonstrate our commitment to disrupting those involved in drug-related offending and protecting our communities from the harm it causes.
We would like to thank residents for continuing to report concerns and provide information. Community intelligence is vital in helping us identify offenders, secure warrants and target those who seek to bring crime and disorder into our neighbourhoods. Every piece of information received helps build a clearer picture and supports our efforts to keep Wycombe West a safe place to live, work and visit.
If you have concerns about drug dealing or drug-related activity in your area, please continue to report it to Thames Valley Police. Together, we can make a difference.

ASB

As Halloween approaches, it is important to recognise that while it is an enjoyable occasion for many families, it has historically been a time when anti-social behaviour (ASB) increases. Many parents will be taking younger children out trick-or-treating in costumes and enjoying the festivities responsibly. However, there can also be a darker side, with some teenagers and young adults viewing Halloween as an opportunity to engage in disorderly behaviour.
In previous years, we have seen incidents involving fireworks being misused, criminal damage, public order offences and nuisance behaviour that has caused distress to local residents. We would encourage parents and guardians to know where their children are, who they are with and what they are carrying. If a young person is leaving home with items such as eggs, fireworks, lighters or face coverings, it may be an opportunity for an important conversation before poor decisions lead to police involvement and potentially a criminal record.
Preparing for Halloween: The Neighbourhood Policing Team has been carrying out ongoing work within the Castlefield community, identifying opportunities to disrupt anti-social behaviour and prevent incidents before they occur. Residents will recall that Halloween 2024 resulted in significant disorder in the area. Lessons have been learned from those events, and plans are already being developed to reduce the risk of similar issues occurring this year.
Community Engagement: Partnership work with Switching Lanes has continued to deliver positive outcomes, and further work is underway to build on the progress already achieved. We recognise the importance of community engagement in addressing concerns before they escalate.
Following an incident at Aylesbury College where a young man was assaulted, tensions within parts of the Castlefield community increased. We can confirm that a suspect has been arrested in connection with the assault and remains on police bail while enquiries continue.
E-Bikes and E-Scooters: Parents and guardians have a vital role to play in helping young people understand the difference between acceptable and unacceptable behaviour.
We continue to receive reports relating to the misuse of e-bikes and e-scooters. While these vehicles can be a useful means of transport when used lawfully, many e-bikes and most privately owned e-scooters cannot legally be ridden on public roads, pavements or other public spaces.
If you are considering purchasing an e-bike or e-scooter for a child or young person, please ensure that it is legal for its intended use and that they understand the relevant laws. Vehicles being used unlawfully may be seized by police.
We are actively reviewing reports involving e-bikes and will use a range of enforcement and preventative measures to address ongoing concerns. If you know of individuals using these vehicles in a manner that causes danger, nuisance or anti-social behaviour, please report it to us.
Enforcement Activity: Officers have continued to take positive action across the area:
•A male has been charged with three offences relating to indecent exposure and is currently on bail with conditions while awaiting his court appearance. The incidents occurred in the Hughenden and Town Centre areas.
•A number of knives have been seized following concerns relating to an individual believed to be in possession of offensive weapons.
•Enquiries into reports of a security guard making inappropriate comments towards females resulted in the individual being identified, arrested and released on bail pending further investigation.
Vehicle-Related Issues: We have recently been working closely with DVLA representatives to address persistent vehicle-related concerns affecting parts of Wycombe. Following discussions, the DVLA has agreed to support targeted activity aimed at tackling untaxed vehicles.
Joint days of action are currently being planned, and we look forward to sharing the results of these operations with residents in the coming months.
Thank you to everyone who continues to report concerns, provide information and support local policing activity. Your information helps us identify offenders, tackle anti-social behaviour, improve road safety and make our communities safer for everyone.
If you witness anti-social behaviour or have information that may assist police investigations, please continue to report it to Thames Valley Police. Working together, we can make a real difference in keeping Wycombe West a safe place to live, work and visit.

Halloween is a time of year that the police do associate with disorder. Whilst there are the good intentioned parents who take their children out with costumes to collect sweets, there is a more sinister side where teenagers and young adults think that is a green light to commit ASB. Fireworks, criminal damage and public order have been caused in the past. Parents do you know what your teenagers are up to? If they are going out with eggs, fireworks, lighters or balaclavas maybe that is a sign for a bit of home intervention, before they get themselves a criminal record.
Ongoing work in the Castlefield Community has been taking place and looking at ways to disrupt ASB. Halloween in 2024 led to a large-scale disorder. We are planning for disruptions this year to prevent the same issues.
Community work with Switching Lanes has led to a positive change and further work is ongoing to develop the steps already taken. An incident where a young man was attacked in Aylesbury College, led to community unrest in Castlefield, the suspect in the assault has been arrested and is on bail.
EBikes/EScooter: 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. We are looking at reports of e-bike incidents and will use a variety of options in dealing with this problem. If you know someone who is causing incidents on such bikes then call it in.
A male has been charged with 3 offences for exposures, and is on bail with conditions awaiting his court date. The exposures occurred around the Hughenden and Town Centre areas.
A number of knives have been seized following concerns of a person with a collection of offensive weapons. Enquiries into a Security Guard making inappropriate comments to females has led to the male being identified, arrested and bailed.
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.

Speeding

Speeding: A Community Responsibility
This month I have been focusing on community problem-solving to tackle speeding across Wycombe West. While police enforcement plays an important role in addressing this issue, enforcement alone cannot solve the problem. Every road user must consider the very real risks associated with driving above the speed limit. Even small increases in speed can significantly increase both the likelihood and severity of a collision. Simply slowing down saves lives and helps make Wycombe West a safer place for everyone.
The Neighbourhood Policing Team is also working to encourage a cultural shift in how speeding is viewed. Much like drink-driving, we want speeding to become socially unacceptable. Residents are encouraged to challenge family members and friends who regularly exceed speed limits and to promote safe and responsible driving habits. Creating safer roads is a shared responsibility, and lasting change will only happen when communities work together.
Working with Local Communities
As part of this work, I have been engaging with local Parish Councils regarding Community Speedwatch schemes and exploring opportunities to secure funding through the Police and Crime Commissioner's Community Fund. The aim is to support the installation of speed monitoring devices and portable Vehicle Activated Signs (VAS) in areas where concerns have been raised.
We are currently looking at establishing a scheme within Castlefield and I have also received positive news that additional Mobile Vehicle Activated Signs (MVAS) are expected to be introduced across Wycombe. These signs play an important role in educating drivers and encouraging compliance with speed limits.
In addition, I have been working to identify locations where traffic survey strips/loops can be installed. These surveys help us understand vehicle speeds and traffic patterns, enabling officers to deploy enforcement activity where it is most needed and where it will have the greatest impact on road safety.
Supporting Enforcement Technology
The area continues to benefit from both fixed speed cameras and mobile enforcement vans. These resources not only provide enforcement opportunities but also act as highly visible deterrents to drivers who may otherwise put themselves and others at risk.
Results from enforcement activity during August demonstrate the scale of the issue:
•1,471 offences detected by fixed speed cameras.
•805 offences detected through mobile enforcement sites.
These figures highlight the ongoing need for proactive speed enforcement and monitoring across our communities. They also serve as a reminder that a significant number of motorists are still choosing to ignore speed limits, placing themselves and others at unnecessary risk.
Looking Ahead
Reducing speeding remains a key priority for the Neighbourhood Policing Team. Through enforcement, education, engineering solutions and community engagement, we will continue working with residents and partners to improve road safety across Wycombe West.
Thank you to everyone who has raised speeding concerns, supported Community Speedwatch initiatives and promoted safe driving habits. Together, we can help make our roads safer for all users, whether they are drivers, cyclists, motorcyclists or pedestrians.
If you would like to see how many collisions have occurred in your area, this information is publicly available and can be viewed on the Traffweb website
Speeding: It's Not Worth the Risk.
Every journey begins with a choice. Choosing to drive within the speed limit protects not only you, but everyone else using our roads. Together, we can make Wycombe West's roads safer for all.

Drugs

Tackling Drug-Related Crime
The fight against drug-related crime remains a priority for the Wycombe West Neighbourhood Policing Team. Organised crime groups and local dealers continue to target our communities, often exploiting young people, vulnerable adults and those who may be easily influenced. The impact of drug-related offending extends far beyond those directly involved, affecting families, neighbourhoods and local businesses alike.

This was recently highlighted when a male attempted to run from PC Read during a stop. Following a brief pursuit, he was detained and subsequently dealt with by officers.
There has been a delay in the installation of the nitrous oxide (NOS) disposal bin at Castlefield. Following the overwhelming use of the existing bin, the collection and disposal of these items has become a much larger issue than was originally anticipated. An update will be provided to residents as soon as further information becomes available.
The Team continues to take proactive action against drug-related crime and the anti-social behaviour that often accompanies it. Through targeted operations, high-visibility patrols and close partnership working, officers remain focused on addressing the issues that matter most to local residents. This includes the development of community intelligence and supporting enforcement activity. Residents may be aware of several warrants executed across the West area during the past month, with officers recovering items linked to criminal activity.

We would like to thank residents for their continued support in reporting concerns and sharing information. Community intelligence plays a vital role in helping officers identify offenders, secure warrants and disrupt those seeking to bring crime and disorder into our neighbourhoods. Every piece of information received helps build a clearer picture and strengthens our efforts to keep Wycombe West a safe place to live, work and visit.

If you have concerns about drug dealing or drug-related activity in your area, please continue to report it to Thames Valley Police. Working together, we can make a real difference in protecting our communities and reducing the harm caused by drugs.