The Community Safety Newsletter aims to keep residents informed about what the Community Safety Partnership has been involved with in Chiltern and South Bucks districts in the last month.

New Safer Buckinghamshire Community Safety Partnership

Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete and share the new Safer Buckinghamshire Community Safety Partnership survey. All feedback will be reviewed and will help shape the priorities for next year.

Catalytic Converter Theft

Catalytic converter thefts have recently increased due to the value of precious metals within the converter itself. We are encouraging residents to take the precautions below to help reduce the chances of becoming a victim of catalytic converter theft.

The most targeted vehicles (depending on model & year) are: Toyota Prius, Toyota Auris, Honda Jazz and Lexus RX400. Manufacturers are working to reduce the risk of such thefts by relocating the catalytic converters to the engine bays rather than under the vehicle, however older models will remain vulnerable.

Protect your vehicle:

• When possible park vehicles in garages
• Park in busy well-lit areas
• Block high clearance vehicles by walls or hedges to prevent access to the underneath of the vehicle
• Security lighting can make vehicles more visible, improving natural surveillance
• Install CCTV to cover parking areas
• Consider property marking or securing a security cage or clamp
• Look out for people working under cars

We are currently organising catalytic converter engraving events in Chiltern and South Bucks. Event details will be circulated once finalised.

Have Your Say

To give residents the opportunity to raise any issues or concerns within their community the Chiltern and South Bucks Neighbourhood Policing Teams hold regular Have Your Say events. During February we joined the local Neighbourhood Teams at the following Have Your Says:

• Wednesday 5th February - Cliveden Gages, Taplow
• Wednesday 12th February - Great Missenden Library
• Thursday 13th February - Market Hall, Old Amersham

To find out when and where the next 'Have Your Say' will be in your area take a look at the following website: Police UK

Audley Homes

On Wednesday 5th February we visited Audley Homes, Chalfont St Peter with local PCSO Jen Shraga. We gave residents lots of crime reduction advice, safety tips and scam advice. The morning was well attended and residents took away lots of handy leaflets and freebies; such as purse bells and timer switches.

True Costs

Thames Valley Police launched the 'True Costs' campaign back in December to highlight the real impact of drug offences on the most vulnerable in our communities.

On 6th February Thames Valley Police held an online Q&A session to provide the public with an opportunity to ask any questions about the impacts of casual cocaine use in the Thames Valley area. An overview of what was discussed can be found here: TrueCosts Q&A

Scam Talks

This month we visited two Bucks Mind Groups to deliver scam talks. Both sessions were really interactive and were well received by the members. We spoke about current scams, what to look out for, who to report scams to and much more. Members were also reminded of the Safe Place Scheme and were given other tips on home security and personal safety.

• Friday 7th February - Social and Wellbeing Group - Sun House, Chesham
• Tuesday 24th February - Lanterns Group - Gold Hill Baptist Church, Chalfont St Peter

Safer Internet Day

Tuesday 11th February was Safer Internet Day - a day aimed to inspire a national conversation about using technology responsibly, respectfully, critically and creatively.

To help promote the safe and positive use of digital technology for children and young people we circulated information to Chiltern and South Bucks staff members and also via our social media channels.

If you would like more information on this topic visit the Safer Internet Day website - Safer Internet Day Website

Money Sense Workshop

On 17th February we went along to a Money Sense Workshop organised by NatWest Community Banker, Sarah Thompson. The workshop was well attended and the children went away with a NatWest goody bag along with bike marking labels and high-vis wrist bands.

If you missed out don't worry! We have scheduled another workshop in for April - see poster below.

Operation Gauntlet

Operation Gauntlet was set up by Thames Valley Police to raise awareness of telephone scams. We went along to a Senior Coffee Morning in Iver on Friday 21st February with DS Krista Thompson, TVP and Aldo Simone, Trading Standards to give a scams presentation. After the presentation we spoke to individuals whilst they enjoyed their lunch. Lots of advice was given and members shared their own experiences.

Attending social groups within our communities is a great way to get people talking openly about scams and we hope the residents we saw in Iver will go on to share some of the information and tips to their families and friends.

If you are interested in a scams talk contact us for more information at: Communitysafety@chilternandsouthbucks.gov.uk or on: 01494 586535.