25th July 2025
Concerns about escalating anti-social behaviour involving students from Lord Williams’s Lower School were the focus of a community meeting held on July 22 by residents of Seven Acres, a residential area in Thame.
The meeting, attended by local residents and organized to address what many described as a sharp increase in disruptive and threatening behaviour, highlighted a series of incidents that have affected the quality of life in the neighbourhood. Seven Acres, a small community of approximately 75 homes, has traditionally maintained a positive relationship with the nearby school, but attendees reported a marked deterioration in recent months.
Residents detailed instances of underage drinking and vaping, deliberate property damage, and dangerous behaviour such as setting off fireworks and exploding lithium-ion batteries from disposable vapes. Items reportedly thrown at houses included bottles, cans, and even a concrete bollard.
Other incidents have included students knocking on doors under suspicious pretences, persistent harassment of specific residents, and inappropriate activities in public green spaces. One particularly serious event involved a large group of students and an older individual known to the police, during which a resident was threatened and multiple properties were damaged. Video evidence of the incident has been provided to authorities.
Attendees discussed how these activities have made many feel unsafe in their own homes, particularly elderly and vulnerable residents. Some reported being too afraid to make improvements to their properties or report incidents out of fear of retaliation.
In response, the group reviewed options to address the situation. Proposals included closing a secluded alleyway believed to be a hotspot for misconduct, installing CCTV, removing bushes that provide cover for illicit behaviour, and hiring private security patrols. The council is expected to be contacted regarding these suggestions.
