Thames Valley Police have increased patrols in Banbury, Oxfordshire, this week following reports of anti-social behaviour and suspected drug activity at a local property. The move comes after residents shared their concerns about safety in the neighbourhood.
The extra patrols are part of a community scheme called ‘You Said, We Did’. This programme allows the Thames Valley Police to focus on specific problems that local people have reported to them.
Officers are currently working with other local organisations to find a permanent solution to the issues at the property. The police hope that having more officers on the street will act as a warning and stop further bad behaviour in the area.
Some community and business leaders in Banbury have previously questioned if there are enough officers to tackle street crime. Business leader Derek Hattenbach, Chair of Banbury’s Chamber of Commerce, has mentioned in the past that the town has struggled with the amount of manpower needed to deal with these issues effectively.
Matthew Barber, the Police and Crime Commissioner for the region, oversees the plans for how the police handle anti-social behaviour. Residents are encouraged to keep reporting any concerns to ensure the police know which areas need the most attention.
