Police officers have been spotted on patrol in Oxford this morning.

As part of a new neighbourhood policing initiative, police officers will try and come to streets in Oxford a “couple of times a month” to speak to residents about any concerns they have in their area.

This morning, July 8, officers from the Cowley and Woodfarm neighbourhood teams were on patrol along the following roads: Clive Road, Maidcroft Road, Littlehay Road and Edmund Road.

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Oxford Mail: Police officers out on patrol this morning in OxfordPolice officers out on patrol this morning in Oxford (Image: Ed Halford)

One of the Thames Valley Police officers told the Oxford Mail: “It is a new initiative.

“Everyone has been leafleted in the area to inform them we are going to be here.

“It is for residents to tell us what is going on in the area and to voice any concerns they may have.”

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The police officer said the new initiative was aimed at making the police more accessible to the public.

Matthew Barber, Thames Valley's police commissioner, said: "Improving neighbourhoold policing is critical to my Crimefighters strategy.

"The force are doubling the number of officers in neighbourhood roles and is recruiting moree PCSOs and Special Constables to increase visibility and engagement.

"Seeing police out and about and at events isn't just about being seen, it is about talking to residents about their local concerns and gathering vital intelligence to help fight crime."

Householders were told in advance, via a leafleting drop, that police would be out and about this morning so they could choose to stay in and speak to officers.

The police officer said the new initiative had been “well received” and the aim was to conduct the patrols at least a “couple of times” a month.

The Thames Valley Police neighbourhood policing teams can include police officers, police community support officers, police staff, police support volunteers and special constabulary.

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To sign up to Ed's weekly Politics newsletter, click here: https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/newsletters/

Ed specialises in writing political stories for the Oxford Mail and The Oxford Times. 

He joined in the team in February 2023, after completing a History undergraduate degree at the University of York and studying for his NCTJ diploma in London.

Ed’s weekly politics newsletter is released every Saturday morning.