Anti-social behaviour and other criminal activity primarily in Castlefield is an ongoing priority highlighted by local residents and seen first-hand by police. In March we have seen larger scale incidents of violent disorder. A violent disorder occurred earlier in March resulting in 3 individuals receiving serious injuries, several individuals are currently on police bail and the investigation is currently under way. We have also very recently seen another large scale affray resulting in less serious injuries and resulting in three arrests, this investigation is also ongoing, these two incidents are currently not believed to be linked. While these incidents typically happen between individuals known to each other, the increase of violent offences in the area have caused concern for the Castlefield community.

The neighbourhood team have been increasing their presence in Castlefield, carrying out days of action and conducting daily high visibility patrols with the aim to provide community reassurance as well as detect and deter crime.
PCs and PCSOs have also been working with our community and diversity officer to most effectively engage with the locals, particularly with community leaders around the reluctance to report criminal behaviour in the area and the possible ways in which this could be improved. Recently, the team have been promoting CrimeStoppers, an independent charity which allows people to report anonymously.
The team have also utilised legislation available to them such as section 60s following the larger incidents, which gives them the power to stop and search individuals in a specified area or direct them away from it for a short temporary period. This assists in preventing any further anti-social behaviour after a larger scale incident has taken place.
Castlefield remains as one of Wycombe’s highest demand areas, the Wycombe West neighbourhood team will continue to focus on improving the safety of the area and reducing anti-social behaviour through robust policing and consistent community engagement. As of recently, additional resources have also been allocated to strengthen the number of officers in the area.

If you have any information please report on 101 or online at www. thamesvalley.police.uk.
Call 999 if crime in progress or you are at risk of harm.

As per our community survey, residents have highlighted drug offences as one of their top concerns. Current drug related issues we are seeing includes cocooning, this is the process of a vulnerable person’s address being taken over by suspected drug dealers to use their homes as a base for drug dealing activity. The team are also dealing with reports of drugs being smoked within homes from neighbours who are bothered by the smells and possible related anti-social behaviour.

When it comes to suspected drug dealing and drug lines, the team will seek to gather strong intelligence on individuals, addresses and vehicles that could possibly be associated in order to be able to disrupt operations and carry out warrants on addresses.
The team have also increased their utilisation of closure orders on addresses identified to be causing repeat issues and anti-social behaviour linked to drugs. To achieve a closure order, the team will collaborate with partner agencies such as the council and housing associations. Routinely the closure orders last 3 months and can be extended for a further 3 months if needed. The purpose of a closure order is to stop individuals frequently coming and going from the address, prohibit disruptive behaviour and in some cases even expel the resident living there.
For people committing other drug offences such as smoking cannabis at home, if we receive reports and there is evidence and corroboration this is taking place, the team have been seeking to give warnings and put community protection notices in place to prevent the behaviour.
If you have any information please report on 101 or online at www. thamesvalley.police.uk.
Call 999 if a crime is in progress or you are at risk of harm.

Speeding continues to be highlighted as a top issue for local residents. Particularly on Rutland avenue and the pastures, residents have raised concerns about high speeds that may possibly endanger others and disturb the community.

The neighbourhood sergeant has ensured members of the neighbourhood team have been trained to use speed guns. Following this, monthly operations have been put in place to conduct speed checks on roads identified to have the most issues. Checks have recently been carried out on Rutland Avenue and the pastures in which multiple tickets were issue for high speeds on a 30MPH road.

If you have any information please report on 101 or online at www. thamesvalley.police.uk.
Call 999 if a crime is in progress or you are at risk of harm.