The latest Thames Valley Police Neighbourhood newsletter is below:
Priorities
Anti-social behaviour (ASB): We have had an increase in ASB in and around Thame again. The Thame neighbourhood team will be conducting regular hi-vis patrols throughout Thame, focusing particularly on the town centre, Southern Road Recreation Ground and The Skate Park, where we are receiving regular reports of ASB taking place. Large amounts of litter and gas canisters have been found at the Skate Park, Southern Road Recreation Ground and St Mary’s church in Thame and outside the village hall in Horspath. If you have any information regarding this regular problem please report via 101
Rural crime: We are still patrolling our beauty spot areas on a daily basis. Signage has been introduced, investigations are ongoing and we urge the community to ensure they do not leave items on show and report suspicious incidents to the police.
The neighbourhood team are still conducting proactive patrols based on intelligence that is being provided to us. Please continue to tell us what you know as we are very keen to act up on it!
Fraudulent online activity
We have seen an increase in fraudulent online activity recently. Please follow the steps below to reduce your chances of being involved in an online scam.
• Always use strong passwords – they should include a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers and symbols.
• Always use up-to-date Internet Security Software on all of your devices when connected to the internet – this includes firewalls and anti-virus/malware software.
• Install the latest operating system updates to improve your security.
• Always protect your e-identity – never give out your personal details to someone you do not know. A legitimate bank, company or the police will never ask you for such details.
• Never be embarrassed to report a scam or online crime!
Home security advice
Burglaries are still being reported in our area. There are simple crime prevention tips to keep your property safe;
• Lock all front and rear doors and windows at night and when you are out.
• Keep all valuables and keys, including car keys, out of sight and out of reach of windows and letterboxes. Double check your vehicle is locked too.
• Ensure side gates are locked to prevent access to the rear of your property. Move bins away from side walls and fences.
• Keep ladders and tools stored away. Don’t leave them outside where they could be used to break into your home.
Are you going on holiday?
• Please do not advertise that you are going away on social media – wait until you get home to upload your holiday snaps!
• Check that your home insurance policy, as some may pay out less or not at all, if you have posted that you are away on social media.
• Use a timer switch to make your house look occupied, even when it isn’t.
• Ask someone you trust to keep an eye on your house while you are away.
• Don’t leave spare keys in obvious places such as under doormats and plant pots.
What the neighbourhood team have been doing
Over December the Thame neighbourhood team made up our Christmas hampers for those in need in Thame at Christmas time. We made up a total of 15 hampers containing lovely Christmas treats and delivered them during the week before Christmas. We hope everyone enjoyed them!
A huge thank you to Jade O’Brien from James Figgs for raising money for this cause and to PCSO Diane Jackson, her family and the Snooker Club for raising money towards this by doing a charity bingo.
Future events/meetings/active communities
The Thame neighbourhood team will be having a number of Have Your Say meetings in and around Thame. This is the time to come and speak to us about community issues you may have, or just pop in and say hello.
Thame: Chinnor:
Waitrose – 12/01/19 at 11am Community centre – 12/01/19 at 10:30am
Waitrose – 20/02/19 at 10am
Co-op – 07/01/2019 at 3pm
Co-op – 04/02/19 at 10am
Watlington: Wheatley:
Town Hall – 12/01/19 at 10:30am Merry Bells – 13/02/19 at 11am
AOB
PCSO Thomas Kelly has now joined the team and is getting on very well in his new role. Tom Kelly will also be a town centre PCSO along with Maciej Stempniowski.
