Serious acquisitive crime

This section of the website is about serious acquisitive crime and how we're trying to reduce the most serious offences.

Acquisitive crime is where something is acquired such as a purse, wallet or car. Sometimes this can be through the use of force such as a robbery. Serious acquisitive crime is a concern to the partnership because it is a particularly distressing crime which can sometimes lead to harm.

The partnership are working with local businesses to prevent and detect business robberies and continue to work with the public to prevent theft and robberies.

We do this through a number of ways which include reinforcing personal safety messages, handing out personal safety alarms and tackling fear of crime.

We are also involved in more active operations with Thames Valley police to reduce robbery. Some of the activities include:

• Checking DNA and fingerprints
• Monitoring and examining CCTV footage
• Vehicle checks
• Special patrols
• Mobile phone marking
• Truancy sweeps

If you have been a victim of a robbery contact Thames Valley Police as soon as possible. In an emergency call 999 or the non-emergency number 101. 

Driving down vehicle crime

Since March 2010 hundreds of motorists have received a letter from the Community Safety Partnership. The letter informs the vehicle owner that valuable items were left on view and this poses an increased risk of items being stolen. Many of us leave sat nav cradles, bags, and loose change in the car but to some people this presents an easy opportunity to commit a crime. When you leave your vehicle take your valuable items with you if possible and don’t leave items on view.

Who turned out the lights?

When the nights draw in at the end of autumn it presents an opportunity for burglars to target empty homes. There are some give-away signs that a property is empty, notably a home in darkness. If you require a light timer switch or UV pen please call us on 01296 585061.

Our top burglary prevention tips:

• Postcode your property with a UV marking kit
• Use a light timer switch when you’re not at home
• Keep windows and doors shut, locked and in good condition

Bells and chains have been extremely popular with residents across the Vale. The small bell is attached to a purse which will act a both a reminder as to the purse' whereabouts and as an audible aid should someone attempt to steal the purse. We've also recently started using secure chains which attach a purse to a handbag. They can be picked up at a local charity shop in Aylesbury or Buckingham.  

For more crime reduction tips visit our crime prevention pages on the website using the Related Links section below.

Date Updated: 21/12/11