Local News By Email

Added 7 October

Chilterns and Bierton Crematorium Christmas Carol Service

Bierton Crematorium – Sunday 6 December, 2–4pm

Burglary Advice

🔒Burglars often target homes where valuables are left on display. Taking a few simple precautions can help reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime.

We are encouraging residents to remain vigilant and take steps to protect valuable items such as jewellery, cash, watches and other high-value possessions.

✅Keep valuable items out of sight from windows and doors
✅Store jewellery and important documents in a secure location
✅Make sure doors and windows are locked, even if you're at home
✅Use exterior lighting and alarm systems where possible
✅Be cautious about sharing details of valuable purchases on social media

If you notice suspicious activity in your neighbourhood, report it to us. Information from the public plays an important role in helping prevent crime and keep our communities safe.

📞Call 999 if a crime is in progress.
📞Report non-emergency concerns via 101 or online.

Neighbourhood Priorities Survey: Buckinghamshire
We want to hear from you👮‍♂️

If you have a few moments to spare, please complete our short survey to help shape the neighbourhood policing priorities for your area.

Click here to complete the survey

This survey is to assist your local neighbourhood policing team in understanding what issues are currently of most concern in your community, we are seeking to gather as many responses as possible from residents across Buckinghamshire.

📅The survey closes on 31 October.

Our 2025–26 Impact Report is here – celebrating what we've achieved together

Today, we are delighted to share our Neighbourhood Watch Network 2025–26 Impact Report.

This report celebrates everything we have achieved together over the past year and showcases the incredible difference made by our members, volunteers, Coordinators, Association Leads, partners and supporters across England and Wales. It demonstrates how, together, we are creating safer, stronger and more connected communities through our shared commitment to Watch, Connect and Act.

Over the past year, we have continued to grow and strengthen our movement, supporting millions of households, launching our new five-year strategy, delivering innovative projects, working alongside police and partners, and empowering local people to make a real difference where they live. None of this would have been possible without your support.

Inside the report you'll discover:

How over 2.3 million households are now a part of the Neighbourhood Watch movement.
The work of our Coordinators and volunteers who continue to make a positive difference in their local communities.
The impact of our crime prevention campaigns, community wellbeing initiatives, volunteer programmes, partnerships and community projects.
Inspiring stories from across England and Wales that show how local people are bringing neighbours together and making communities safer.
Our new 2026–2030 Strategy, centred around Watch, Connect and Act, which will shape the future of Neighbourhood Watch.

Every achievement featured in this report has been made possible because of people like you.

Whether you volunteer your time, lead a local scheme, support a neighbour, attend an event, work with us as a partner, or simply champion the values of Neighbourhood Watch, you are helping to make Britain a place where neighbours look out for each other.

Our News - 5 October 2026

One thing many people don't realise about Neighbourhood Watch is that we are a charity, (charity number 1173349, in fact!) and we're quite a small one too. It’s a team of just twelve people who support a network of brilliant volunteers across the country.

As a volunteer-led organisation, we achieve a huge amount with limited resources. Our fantastic Neighbourhood Watch members make a difference in communities every day. We've just published our latest Impact Report so you can see how we've been creating better and safer neighbourhoods over the last 12 months. As well as our Impact Report, highlights this month include:

Local updates from Southwater and Staffordshire
Don’t let scammers take advantage of the Virgin email changes
Hate Crime Awareness week, 10-17 October

Full news here

There’s no time like the present to explore the past - BucksHistory Festival

Buckinghamshire History Festival returns in November, giving residents another opportunity to explore and celebrate the county’s history and cultural heritage.

The festival, organised by Buckinghamshire Archives, showcases a huge range of events, activities and exhibitions throughout November. There’s something for everyone, ranging from tours of the Buckinghamshire Archives, and historic walks through Amersham, Marlow and High Wycombe, to online talks and traditional corn milling demonstrations – and there’s even some creative performances through means of dance and theatre productions!

Find the full listing of festival events

More vehicles removed as Bucks steps up action on problem parking

With attractive, clean and safe town centres a big priority for residents, Buckinghamshire Council is clamping down hard on problem parking as it works on a number of fronts to enhance its town centre spaces.

The council is making significant progress tackling problem vehicles and improving parking for residents, with dozens of vehicles removed from council car parks this year as part of a smarter, more targeted enforcement approach. This includes seizing four vehicles in recent days from Richardson Street Car Park in High Wycombe.

Working alongside its new parking enforcement partner, APCOA Parking (UK) Limited, the council has strengthened its response to vehicles that repeatedly ignore parking regulations or have been left in council car parks for long periods, helping free up spaces for residents, businesses and visitors. The new partnership launched in June and uses an intelligence-led approach to target known problem areas and improve enforcement across the county.

As part of this work, Buckinghamshire Council has now removed a total of 29 vehicles from council car parks so far this year, taking action against vehicles that have caused concern for local communities and prevented legitimate use of valuable parking spaces.

The council has also been taking a coordinated approach to addressing wider issues in affected locations. Where appropriate, parking bays have been temporarily suspended to allow teams to carry out a range of improvement works, including removing vehicles of concern, clearing fly-tipped waste and undertaking tree and hedge maintenance.

The council works within a strict legal framework when dealing with abandoned vehicle and other vehicles of concern. This can often be more complex than it might appear, with officers required to follow statutory processes including giving vehicle owners opportunities to respond before enforcement action can be taken.

In many cases, where a vehicle has accrued parking penalties, the council must allow owners the opportunity to settle outstanding Penalty Charge Notices before further action is considered. The process also involves working with the DVLA to contact registered keepers, meaning investigations and enforcement can take several weeks before a vehicle can lawfully be removed.

The council is encouraging residents to continue reporting parking concerns and vehicles causing issues through its website, helping officers identify emerging problems and direct enforcement activity where it is most needed.

Added 30 September

COAM launches £50,000 appeal to rebuild its Iron Age roundhouse

Chiltern Open Air Museum (COAM) in Buckinghamshire is appealing for £50,000 to build a new Iron Age roundhouse and ensure future generations can experience what life was like more than 2,000 years ago.

The museum’s existing Iron Age roundhouse, which was originally built in 1995, is now reaching the end of its life. The building is an important part of COAM’s learning programme and is also a much-loved exhibit for visitors.

Around 12,000 schoolchildren take part in the museum’s learning programme every year, with approximately a third of school workshops delivered inside the roundhouse by costumed educators. It has also played a starring role on screen, including in Horrible Histories, and has been used as a venue for civil wedding ceremonies.

COAM needs to raise £50,000 to build its new roundhouse over the coming year. Thanks to generous public donations, more than £11,500 has already been raised towards the appeal.

The new roundhouse will be based on the latest archaeological research, meaning it will look somewhat different from its predecessor.

Working with specialists in Chilterns archaeology, the museum will construct the building in the Thames Valley style seen at local Iron Age sites. Wherever possible, materials sourced from the museum’s own site will be used, reflecting the way Iron Age communities would have built using the natural resources around them.

The roundhouse will feature a thatched roof made from cereal straw, with walls constructed from hazel and brushwood wattle and wychert daub. The walls will be painted, while a distinctive chalk-and-cheese floor will add another authentic detail.

The roof will be built using naturally curved timbers known as cuppills. These will be set into the ground and joined with wooden nails to create a series of arches. A storage mezzanine will also form part of the new building.

The finished building will reflect the latest archaeological understanding of Iron Age life in the Chilterns and will provide a unique setting for hands-on learning.

COAM Learning Manager Jon Gibson said:

“12,000 schoolchildren visit Chiltern Open Air Museum every year and our Iron Age roundhouse is an integral part of our learning programme. About a third of our school workshops are delivered inside the roundhouse by costumed educators.

“Kids are always amazed at how dark it is inside and how warm the fire is. They take part in lots of interactive experiences, such as milling grain into flour, and go home slightly grubby and smelling of woodsmoke, having had a fantastic day.

“The roundhouse gives them an experience that they cannot get in school, and it gives them a real sense of what life was like in the Iron Age.”

The museum hopes that supporters will help it reach its £50,000 target and secure the future of this important part of its learning programme.

To support the Iron Age Roundhouse Appeal and help build the new roundhouse, visit: iron-age-roundhouse-rebuild

Little Lives Commemoration Events at Chilterns and Bierton Crematoria

Taking place at both Chilterns Crematorium and Bierton Crematorium, the events coincide with Baby Loss Awareness Week and are open to anyone who has experienced the loss of a child, of any age and at any time. We hope this inclusive approach will allow families and individuals who may be grieving a loss from many years ago, as well as more recently, to feel welcome.

The events will include opportunities to light a candle, leave a message, and take a moment to remember a much-loved child. There will also be support and information available from bereavement organisations.

Bierton times are 10am - 12pm

Protecting Students from Cyber Crime and Fraud:

The University Student Guide

As thousands of students prepare to start or return to university this autumn, fraudsters and cyber criminals will be looking for opportunities to exploit the excitement and uncertainty that often comes with a new term.

Moving to a new city, arranging accommodation, managing finances and building new social networks can create opportunities for criminals to target students. Whether you're a student, parent, guardian, friend or family member, understanding the risks can help prevent cyber crime and fraud.

Criminals use a wide range of tactics to steal your money or obtain personal information that can be used later in a fraud attempt. They operate on websites and apps, by email, text, phone, post or in person, including on your doorstep.

Students are also frequently targeted through phishing emails, text messages and social media messages. These communications may appear to come from trusted organisations such as universities, banks, delivery companies or student finance providers. Their aim is to steal personal information, passwords or banking details.

What can you do to protect yourself from cyber crime and fraud? These simple steps can make a big difference:

Be cautious of unexpected messages asking for personal or financial information.
Secure your accounts, especially your email and bank account.
Use passkeys over passwords wherever they are available. Where unavailable, use strong passwords, for example generated by a password manager and enable 2-step Verification (2SV).
Keep devices updated with the latest security and software updates.
Back up your important data and check your account recovery options.

Cyber crime and fraud can affect anyone, but awareness remains one of the strongest forms of protection. By recognising common tactics and talking openly about potential risks, we can help students enjoy a safe and successful university experience.

To support students and their families, Report Fraud has produced a practical guide packed with advice, real-world examples and simple steps that students can take to protect themselves online and offline throughout university life.

Read the University Students Booklet here.

Our News - 21 September 2026

Did you know that fraud is the most prevalent type of crime in the UK? It accounts for about 41% of all crime according to the National Crime Agency. And it’s a growing problem. In this issue we’ve got a couple of useful resources on different types of fraud to help you protect yourself and others. Other highlights this month:

Charlie’s Promise – a powerful message about reporting knife crime
Local spotlights on West Midlands and Leek
Organise a local litter pick

Full post here

Courier Fraud - Awareness

Fraudsters are posing as police officers and may claim your personal details have been compromised, someone has been arrested using your information, or ask whether you hold cryptocurrency.

🚨Remember: the police would never ask you to:

❌Transfer money to a "safe account"
❌Withdraw cash
❌Buy or transfer cryptocurrency
❌Share your PIN, password or banking security details

If you receive a call like this, end the call and contact your bank using trusted contact details.

📢If you've been targeted or fallen victim to fraud, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or online at here.

Please share this warning with friends and family, especially those who may be more vulnerable to fraud.

Added 16 September

NW Tips to keep your car safe

This is a message from Val McPherson Area NW Representative & Administrator for South Bucks & Chilterns.

Thames Valley Police have advised us that there is an increase in vehicle crime especially thefts from vehicles, and tool theft from Vans.

Please see below some advice to keep you and your vehicles safe:

Do not leave your keys in the ignition or door open when your car is unattended, especially if just popping into the house or at the garage. Make sure that you lock your doors before leaving the car unattended.
If your vehicle has wing mirrors that fold in automatically when locked, make sure you lock it properly, as thieves are looking for vehicles where the wing mirrors are still out, because they know that the vehicle has been left unlocked.
Make sure your car is secure with the roof, sunroof ,windows and doors all locked. It is wise to double check the car is locked and not just rely on the locking mechanism.
Do not leave valuables in your car where they can be seen and stolen, especially your vehicle's registration and insurance as they can be used by thieves to pretend they are the owners and sell your car!
Mobile phone, coins for the car park, sunglasses, medication etc are irresistible to the opportunists thieves as they can earn cash quickly, so never leave in full view, hide away or take with you.
If you cannot park your car on your drive make sure it is parked in a well lit area or secure car park.

Report a theft from a car either ring 101 or via website. If crime is in progress or an emergency ring 999.

Tool theft from Vans. Please see advice below:

Thieves target Van with tools inside, so if you need to leave the tools overnight, it is wise to mark them clearly.

You can engrave the tools with your home or business postcode by marking it with a permanent marker or paint and then lacquer spray.
There are other property marking systems like , Smartwater or Selecta Mark which you can find on the internet.

Help shape Buck's plans to prevent homelessness and support local people

Local people across Buckinghamshire are being invited to have their say on plans to widen housing options, strengthen earlier support to prevent homelessness and rough sleeping, and improve access to housing advice.

Residents, community groups, businesses and local organisations are being invited to help shape the new Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2027 to 2032, with a six-week consultation that is now live.

By focusing on early intervention and prevention, the Council aims to reduce homelessness and rough sleeping, improve community wellbeing and ensure Buckinghamshire remains a place where individuals and families can thrive.

The strategy, developed with local partners, focuses on three key areas:

Preventing homelessness early by identifying people who may be struggling and providing help as soon as possible, before they lose their home.
Reducing the need for temporary accommodation and where necessary, ensuring it is safe and suitable, while helping people move into settled housing as quickly as possible.
Supporting people to rebuild their lives by helping them move into affordable, settled housing and access the support they need to live independently and thrive.

Residents are encouraged to come along to one of two drop-in events on Wednesday 23 September, to learn more about the proposed strategy and share their views. Council representatives will be on hand to answer questions, discuss the proposals and gather feedback. The events are taking place at:

• Aylesbury Library (Large Meeting Room), Walton Street, Aylesbury, HP20 1UU - 10am to 12 noon

• High Wycombe Library (Green and White Rooms), 5 Eden Place, High Wycombe, HP11 2DH - 2.30pm to 4.30pm

"Residents can also take part by completing the survey online at: yourvoicebucks.citizenspace.com.

Anyone with questions, or require this information in another format or language, can email: housingstrategyconsultations@buckinghamshire.gov.uk

The consultation closes at 11.59pm on Sunday 25 October 2026.

Find out more about the consultation, the drop-in events and have your say at: yourvoicebucks.citizenspace.com.