News Joint enforcement activity sees police and partners take action across Buckinghamshire

Following a multi-agency operation led by Thames Valley Police alongside Buckinghamshire Council, targeted action has been taken against high street retail crime and anti-social behaviour in Buckinghamshire.

Three days of action took place in High Wycombe (8/4), Aylesbury (13/4), and Chesham (20/4).

Thames Valley Police, Street Wardens, Parking Enforcement, Waste & Litter Enforcement, Community Safety Officers, Trading Standards and Licensing teams worked together on these days of action to ensure residents of Buckinghamshire feel safe on local high streets.

Picture from Thames Valley Police

On 8 April in High Wycombe, a joint morning patrol was carried out by the Anti-Social Behaviour Officer alongside PCSOs and Neighbourhood Officers. The patrol focused on enforcement and engagement within the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) area, issuing four PSPO warning notices, distributing additional PSPO warning notice packs and Fixed Penalty Notice books, and providing civil trespass guidance, which resulted in a site being cleared. One rough sleeper was verified, with one referral made to substance abuse support services and one fly-tipping referral made to the relevant private landlord.

Alongside this activity, Licensing Officers carried out eight premises inspections within the PSPO area to check compliance with licence conditions. Premises were reminded of their responsibilities and provided with advisory information regarding the PSPO and expectations for alcohol sales. A small number of premises were found to be selling high-strength beer or cider contrary to their licence conditions, and all non-compliance will be followed up by Licensing Officers.

Picture from Thames Valley Police

On 13 April in Aylesbury, a multi-agency day of action took place focused on tackling anti-social behaviour and ensuring public safety. This included the use of Live Facial Recognition (LFR) vans, which were deployed in the town for the first time, with 12,189 faces seen during the operation.

Anti-Social Behaviour Officers patrolled all known ASB hotspot areas, issuing PSPO guidance to two street drinkers, gathering intelligence on a prolific theft offender to be followed up with the individual’s probation officer, and submitting a fly-tipping report to the Council Enforcement Team, commercial landlord and Licensing.

Licensing Officers also carried out ten premises inspections within the PSPO area, sharing PSPO guidance and expectations with businesses. Some low-level non-compliance was identified, which will be followed up as part of ongoing enforcement activity.

On 20 April in Chesham, officers carried out a focused day of action aimed at improving safety and addressing local concerns. This included the deployment of Live Facial Recognition (LFR), during which 6,460 faces were seen. Officers also responded to a Section 4 public order incident, where a voluntary interview was arranged.

Council enforcement activity also took place, with 11 Penalty Charge Notices issued, 52 vehicles moved or observed, and three expired Blue Badges seized. In addition, one Blue Badge was retained for further investigation due to suspected misuse, as part of ongoing efforts to tackle misuse and ensure parking spaces remain available for those who genuinely need them.

Picture from Thames Valley Police

Superintendent Euan Livingstone, who led the operation, said: “High street crime has a real impact on communities, and it is understood how important it is that people feel safe when going about their daily lives.

“Officers continue to work proactively every day to identify offenders, support local businesses, and maintain a visible presence in the areas where the public need them most.

“As part of the ongoing Safer Streets campaign, a targeted approach is being taken to preventing crime, combining additional patrols and stronger links with retailers. This work is already helping to deter criminal activity and reassure residents.

“Thames Valley Police is also working closely with partners, including Buckinghamshire Council and Trading Standards, to address the root causes of high street crime and take coordinated action to support safer, thriving town centres.

“Together, partners will continue to use every tool available to keep high streets safe and welcoming for everyone.”

Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Steve Bowles, said: “Keeping town centres safe is a shared priority, and Buckinghamshire Council is pleased to be working closely with Thames Valley Police on this targeted initiative.

“While tackling crime is primarily a police responsibility, the Council plays a vital role in community safety by taking a proactive approach to the issues that matter most to residents and local businesses.

“Through partnership working, visibility is being strengthened, persistent problem areas are being targeted, and initiatives that deter crime and anti-social behaviour are being supported. Alongside enforcement, the Council continues to invest in prevention, from environmental improvements such as upgraded CCTV coverage to early intervention and community engagement, because long-term safety depends on addressing root causes as well as immediate concerns.

“By combining local intelligence, strong partnerships and sustained investment, Buckinghamshire Council is determined to ensure town centres are welcoming, vibrant and safe places for everyone.”