Teens arrested after weeks of anti-social behaviour in Buckingham

Police have been working to track-down suspects.

Author: Dan GoodingPublished 20th Nov 2020

After assaults, knife crime, harassment and criminal damage in Buckingham - 12 teenagers have been arrested.

Over the last two days (19 and 20 November), officers in Buckingham have taken action as part of a partnership response addressing violent behaviour and intimidation involving a group of young people between the ages of 14 and 18.

The 12 young people have been arrested in connection with this investigation and a number of weapons have been seized.

All of those arrested have now been released on conditional bail while police investigations continue.

Thames Valley Police has said the arrests were in relation to a number of incidents that have taken place in and around Chandos Park in the town.

After subsequent enquiries, a number of linked incidents were identified as having taken place such as robbery, violent disorder, drug supply, assault, criminal damage, knife crime, harassment and intimidation.

Police say incidents escalated in recent weeks and they've thanked the community for helping with investigations.

Superintendent Mike Loebenberg told us:

"For us incidents have escalated quickly and I'm really proud of the work that our officers have done in working with communities and partners to take action to bring offenders to justice.

"For those who have committed offences, we will take the appropriate enforcement action.

"Nobody should be afraid of walking around and enjoying their local area.

"We will ensure that there is both a reassuring presence and appropriate intervention to stop offending from taking place."

Meanwhile Detective Inspector Craig Burchall, based at Aylesbury police station, who is leading the investigation, said:

"This group is a very small minority of the community, but their actions have caused significant problems.

"I hope that through education and further engagement most will understand the impact of their behaviour and change.

"For those that don’t, enforcement action is the police response.

"If you have any information on this group please call police on 101 or report online via the Thames Valley Police website quoting reference 43200365990.

"You can also report anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

"The series of incidents reported over recent months has shown how quickly taunting and threatening behaviour, both in person and online, can escalate to serious violence, intimidation and cause long-lasting harm to victims."