This page is relevant to all villages.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nottingham Knockers

A great deal of people, especially the lone elderly, do not like opening their front door to be face to face with a young man selling what most households already have in their possession. If anything, the Nottingham Knocker call is more akin to menacing begging based on some of the Facebook posts regarding this activity. Often, a Facebook post raises the alarm for locals so that they can be more wary of opening the door. Stickers on doors stating 'No doorstep Selling Zone' do not deter these people. Most of the time the Facebook alarm is too late and so a simple Whatsapp group for an instant alert would work better. A simple statement of Road and Village will quickly highlight where these activities are taking place.
If you want to be notified by and/or notify your neighbours of activity in the areas covered by these pages follow the instructions below.
Click here to join if you're reading this on your mobile or scan the QR code with your phone if looking at this on your PC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With Halloween approaching on 31 October, please take a few moments to check your home before heading out to events or visiting friends.

✅Lock all doors and windows
✅Secure garages, sheds and side gates
✅Keep valuable items out of sight
✅Use timer switches or external lighting if you'll be returning after dark
✅Agree who will carry out the final security check if household members are leaving at different times

Lock Up Before You Step Out.

Halloween should be an enjoyable evening for everyone. While many residents look forward to welcoming trick-or-treaters, others may prefer a quieter night. If you see a "No Trick or Treat" poster displayed in a window, please respect the resident's wishes and move on to the next house. A small act of consideration can make a big difference and helps ensure Halloween remains safe, enjoyable and respectful for everyone in our community. We wish you a safe, happy and treat-filled Halloween... and hopefully no scary shortages of sweets!

Click the poster to download a PDF that you can print.

 

 

NW Halloween, Bonfire Night and Advice on Keeping safe

 

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

 

I am sharing a message that I sent out to Coordinators in my area, it may not happen across South Bucks and Chilterns but there is always a possibility!

 

Last Saturday morning around 10.30ish a man in white was seen in Longwick ringing doorbells, then continuing to the next house. Strange behaviour but it was reported into the Police just in case it happens anywhere else!

 

I expect most of us enjoyed an extra hour in bed, as the clocks went back an hour on 25th October, but our Uninvited Guests otherwise known a Burglars like this extra hour of darkness because they look out for homes that have no lights on!

 

So here is some usual advice:

 

• Even if you are not at home or going out for the evening always leave a light on.
• It is ideal  to have a time switch which you can set so that as dusk falls the lights will switch on and go off later.
• Make sure all windows and doors are closed, and locked.
• Check garages/Outbuildings/ sheds and  lock securely.
• Never leave any tools, ladders, or anything around that thieves can break into your homes.
• Make sure that any bushes that surround your front door or pathways are trimmed back so no where to hide.
• Install an outside light that is motion sensitive for driveways, front gardens, as Burglars do not like to be seen.
• Remember do not have valuables on show  or presents lying around  the Christmas Tree especially by a window.
• Do not leave your expensive packaging outside with your name and address on. Remove the label and place boxes etc on  your actual collection day.

 

If going away for a few days or longer ask your neighbour to keep an eye on your property taking in any letters of deliveries and do not forget your dustbins. These are very useful commodity for our uninvited guests!

 

Next few events Halloween - Trick & Treat

 

Not everyone wishes to take part in Halloween so please be considerate of others and only visit those people who you know and trust and are engaging in this celebration.

 

Bonfire Night or rather Guy Fawkes Night falls on Thursday 5th November.

 

Most major displays will be on the weekend following the date, but smaller displays will possibly be held on the night.

 

For animals this can be a very scary time,  especially the noise and flashes.

 

Visit the RSPCA website: www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/fireworks

 

on how to keep your pets/horse, livestock safe during this time.

 

And by following the advice below you can hopefully reduce the risk of your car being stolen or vandalized.

 

When you park your vehicle, just follow these simple tips:

 

• Close your sunroof.
• Check you have not left your keys in the ignition.
• Do not keep your log book in the car.
• Double-check your central locking has actually locked – listen for the clunk/click noise (if you have keyless then look through the window to check.)
• Do not leave your car with the engine running.
• Do not leave anything of value in the car.

 

 

 

 

Keep Your Home Secure This Autumn and Winter

 

As the days get shorter and the evenings get darker, now is a good time to think about keeping your home safe and secure. Start with a few simple checks:

 

• Lock doors and windows whenever you leave your home.
• Secure garages, sheds and side gates.
• Keep keys, jewellery and other valuables out of sight.
• Use timer switches & external lighting to help your home appear occupied after dark.
• If you're going away, ask a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your property.

 

Reporting Information

 

If a you believe a crime is in progress, call 999 immediately. For non-emergency information or to report suspicious behaviour:

 

·  Call 101

 

·  Report online via the Thames Valley Police website.

 

Information from residents plays a vital role in helping us identify and apprehend offenders. Please share this advice with neighbours, friends and family members, particularly those who may be more vulnerable.

 

Don't Give Burglars an Opportunity.

Lock Up Before You Step Out.

 

 

 

 

 

Switch to Passkeys: Protect Your Accounts as Email and Social Media Hacking Soars

 

Report Fraud is urging the public to protect their online accounts after stolen sums from email and social media hacking surged by 417 per cent in the last year. Reported losses rose from £1.2 million in 2024/25 to £6.3 million in 2025/26, while reports of account hacking increased by 34 per cent, making it the most reported form of cyber crime in the UK.

 

Other types of account takeovers were also identified within reports, including gaming and streaming accounts, as well as travel and online delivery accounts. As part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Report Fraud has launched a campaign encouraging people to better protect themselves online by switching to passkeys and strengthening account security.

 

Account hacking occurs when criminals gain unauthorised access to an email, social media or online account and use it to commit further fraud. Once an account has been compromised, fraudsters may impersonate the account owner to target family and friends, request money, sell fake tickets or carry out other scams. One of the most common themes identified from reports is criminals using hacked accounts to impersonate trusted contacts.

 

What starts as a single compromised account can quickly have a wider impact. Victims may lose access to important accounts, have personal information exposed and face the distress of knowing criminals could be using their identity to target others. Friends, family members and colleagues may also become victims if they mistakenly trust messages sent from a hacked account.

 

The good news is that there are simple steps everyone can take to improve their online security and make it harder for criminals to gain access.

 

Protect yourself online

 

• Use passkeys wherever they are available. Passkeys are more secure and easier to use than traditional passwords. Where passkeys are unavailable, use strong, unique passwords generated by a password manager and enable two-step verification whenever possible.
• Review your privacy settings. Make sure your social media content is only visible to the people you want to see it, such as friends and family.
• Be careful about sharing personal information online. Details such as your birthday, where you live, family relationships or pet names can be used by fraudsters to build a picture of you and make scams more convincing.
• Verify unexpected messages. If someone you know contacts you through social media or email, don't automatically assume it is really them. Contact them through another method, such as a phone call, text message or in person, before responding.

 

If you believe your account has already been hacked, report it to Report Fraud and seek advice on recovering access and securing your accounts.

 

Join the Report Fraud Social Media and Email Hacking Webinar

 

As part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Report Fraud is hosting a webinar on protecting your email and social media accounts from hackers and fraudsters. The session will cover the latest threats, practical security measures, and the simple steps you can take to keep your accounts safe from compromise. Whether you're looking to strengthen your own online security or help protect friends and family, this webinar will provide expert guidance and actionable advice.

 

Register your place here:

 

Police forces being impersonated in scam calls using ‘spoofed’ phone numbers

 

Report Fraud, run by the City of London Police, is urging the public to be sure of who they are talking to following a spike in reports of calls from ‘spoofed’ police force phone numbers.

 

Analysis of data from Report Fraud, the national cyber crime and fraud reporting service, shows that there has been an increase in reports made where the caller has purported to be from a police force from a variety of areas across the country. The City of London Police itself, the National Lead Force for fraud, has also taken thousands of crime reports of a similar nature.

 

But in reality, it is a criminal contacting a member of the public, using a ‘spoofed’ phone number to try and obtain sensitive personal or financial details so that fraud can then go on to be committed. Often, the criminals will claim that the victim will be helping with an investigation by providing the personal or financial information they are asking for.

 

While a number of calls about this type of fraud has been made to Report Fraud, this is likely to be the tip of the iceberg and a far bigger problem that is not reported, so the full scale is unknown.

 

Criminals use ‘spoofing’ software to intentionally cover up their real caller ID and instead, mirror the phone number of a legitimate organisation. They do this to make it appear that calls or text messages are coming from a trusted organisation like the police, banks or government agencies.

 

These scam calls may use AI technology, be automated or from a real person. Their main goal is to trick you into sharing personal information or to transfer money.

 

How to protect yourself

 

• Remember that genuine service providers, banks and the police will NEVER call asking you to transfer money, share personal financial details or hand over remote control of your computer.

 

• If you are in any way suspicious, or feel pressured into anything, hang up and take time to check if the call is genuine. Call back on a number you know to be genuine, for example as shown on your utility bills or the back of your card. You can also call 159 to get through to your bank, or 101 for the police.

 

• Don’t trust the Caller ID display on your phone – it’s not proof of ID,

 

Report a suspicious phone call

 

If you've lost money or have been hacked as a result of responding to a phishing message or scam call, you should report it to Report Fraud.

 

In England, Wales or Northern Ireland, visit here or call 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, report to Police Scotland by calling 101.

 

You should also report suspected scam calls by sending a text to 7726 with the word ‘Call’ and the caller's number.

 

If you’ve shared personal information with a suspicious caller

 

Learn how to protect yourself if you think you’ve shared personal information.

 

If you’ve visited a website you think is suspicious, you can report a scam website or link to us.

 

Click the banner above for the latest news

 

 

Help S.C.R.A.P Fly-tipping in Buckinghamshire

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​Residents are being urged to take a few simple checks before paying someone to take away their rubbish. The advice is simple - following the S.C.R.A.P code can help residents protect themselves from rogue waste collectors who may dump their waste illegally. This helps residents avoid future potential fines and support keeping Buckinghamshire's streets, parks and countryside free from fly-tipping.

 

The S.C.R.A.P code gives confidence that their waste is being disposed of legally and responsibly:

 

S - Suspect all waste carriers; do not allow waste to be collected until a carrier has proven they are legitimate. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. A professional waste carrier should happily answer reasonable questions.

 

C - Check that the waste carrier is registered on the Environment Agency's website.

 

R - Refuse any unexpected or time-sensitive offers to remove rubbish. If something doesn't feel right or there are concerns that waste may be disposed of illegally, report it to the Environment Agency.

 

A - Ask where your waste is going. A legitimate carrier should be able to explain how it will be disposed of and provide evidence if asked.

 

P - Paperwork must be obtained: a proper invoice, waste transfer note or receipt (including a description of the waste being removed) and the waste carriers' contact details.

 

Taking these few simple steps before handing over rubbish, whether that be old furniture, general and garden waste or DIY materials, can help residents avoid potential fines, ensure their waste is disposed of legally and help keep Buckinghamshire clean.

 

Fly-tipping harms our neighbourhoods, damages the environment and creates clean-up costs that ultimately fall on local communities. By each doing our bit, together we can S.C.R.A.P. fly-tipping. For more information visit: How we can S.C.R.A.P. fly-tipping in Bucks | Buckinghamshire Recycles

 

 

Working together to keep communities safe across Buckinghamshire

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Keeping communities safe across Bucks is a key priority for Buckinghamshire Council and forms the basis of a newly updated plan for working together with the police and health and community organisations across the county to address the crime and safety issues that matter most to residents.

 

The Safer Buckinghamshire Strategy brings together Buckinghamshire Council, Thames Valley Police, health partners and community organisations to help create safer neighbourhoods and stronger communities across Buckinghamshire.

 

The focus is not just on responding when something goes wrong, but on preventing problems in the first place. By spotting risks earlier, tackling the causes of crime and anti-social behaviour, and getting support to people who need it, the partnership can help prevent problems from escalating.

 

The strategy focuses on six priority areas for partnership action that can make the biggest difference for residents:

 

• Neighbourhood crime and shoplifting - targeting hotspots and repeat offenders.
• Anti-social behaviour - reducing disorder and helping make public spaces safer and more welcoming.
• Fraud and scams - protecting residents from financial and emotional harm.
• Harm and exploitation - protecting those most at risk.
• Community cohesion - strengthening relationships and building trust within communities.
• Domestic abuse and violence against women and girls (VAWG) - preventing harm, supporting victims and tackling perpetrators.

 

The Safer Buckinghamshire Strategy provides a clear framework for partners to work together over the coming years, combining resources, expertise and local knowledge to reduce crime, prevent harm and improve outcomes for residents across the county.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

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