Agenda item

Inspector Stephen Bobbitt and PC Nathan Davey will provide an update on the latest data/statistics on crime in the North West  Chilterns Community Board area.

The Chairman welcomed Inspector Stephen Bobbett and Sergeant Nathan Davey from Thames Valley Police (TVP). Inspector Bobbett explained that he was the Inspector for the Local Policing Area (LPA) for High Wycombe.  However, the High Wycombe LPA was expected to merge with the Chiltern and South Bucks LPA in mid-June and would provide extra resources.  There would be one commander for new the new LPA, Superintendent Emma Burroughs, and the deputy commander would remain as Chief Inspector Gassan Shaladan.  PC Russ Hawkins had moved to the Force Rural Crime team and would still be based in Princes Risborough.  PC Hawkins would be replaced in April by PC Jed Russell.

Sgt Davey provided a presentation, appended to the minutes and should be referred to for information on the data which covered the period 1 November 2021 to 31 January 2022.  Sgt Davey highlighted the following points: 

• A map showing the community board (CB) area.
• A table showing the number of each type of offence with ‘concern for safety’ being the highest at 45 followed by ‘road traffic concerns’ (35). 
• Data on the day of the week offences were carried out and the number per month.
• Tables showed the number of offences broken down by street and location with the highest number recorded in Princes Risborough (300), followed by Downley (49).
• There was also a table which showed the breakdown of the time of day when offences took place (morning, afternoon, evening or night).
• Operation Signature – a fraud prevention advice package.  Victims were contacted and provided with crime prevention support with the aim of reducing the number of repeat victims of crime.

The following key points were raised in discussion:

• Sgt Davey also advised that there would be a new police station situated within the fire station in Princes Risborough where the Neighbourhood Team would be based along with the Chepping Wye Neighbourhood Team.  The teams would have access to the fire station facilities. 
• It was noted that a British Transport Police (BTP) report rated Princes Risborough train station as fifth in Buckinghamshire for the number of crimes committed over a 12 month period. In response to whether there was an issue with crime around the station, Sgt Davey explained that TVP worked closely with BTP; police officers patrolled the area and would investigate if a crime was reported.  However, Inspector Bobbett added that BTP had their own remit and managed incidents that happened on the train/platform side on the station e.g., fare evaders.  TVP did not see much violence in the vicinity of the station.
• In response to a question on which type of crime was the most preventable and how board members could help; Sgt Davey stated that the type of crimes changed regularly, but there was a big push to raise awareness to prevent burglaries in the LPA and advised that it would be helpful to be aware of what the CB felt was a priority as the Neighbourhood Team were happy to respond to requests.  If there was a particular issue, let TVP know.  Inspector Bobbett added that leaving a light on was a ‘quick win’ in preventing burglaries and not leaving valuables in vehicles was a remedy to reduce vehicle crime.  Any assistance in getting these messages out into the community would be appreciated.
• Rosemary Hewitt queried whether the 25 offences in Hughenden Valley was actually the parish of Hughenden as it seemed high.   Sgt Davey to check and advise Rosemary.

Action:  Sgt Davey

• Sgt Davey was unable to provide the exact number of officers there would be once the two LPAs were merged but explained that the response team would be doubled and there would be shared resources within the CID team.  The Neighbourhood Team resources would remain the same but there would be the advantage of a larger pool of resources.

The Chairman thanked Inspector Bobbett and Sgt Davey for attending the meeting.