Police have made numerous arrests and issued multiple orders in a bid to tackle anti-social behaviour, e-scooter usage and drugs in an Oxfordshire town.
In January, the Bicester Neighbourhood Police Team carried out a public consultation with locals identifying the issues of most concern in the town centre.
Since then, the police team has been addressing anti-social behaviour by dedicating patrols, including night-time economy and routine patrols with a focus on enforcing the public space protection order (PSPO).
READ MORE: Company apologises over roadworks on bridge
The force reported issuing 19 PSPO warnings and one fixed penalty for PSPO breaches.
Further anti-social behaviour patrols and operations are planned to continue throughout the year.
Efforts to tackle e-scooter misuse have also been underway since January as police patrols have engaged with users to educate and enforce regulations.
However, repeat offenders risk having their e-scooters seized and facing fines or penalties for various offences under road traffic regulations.
All officers in the Neighbourhood team have been trained to seize e-scooters using powers under the Road Traffic Act.
The police team has also been addressing drug-related issues making four arrests for drug supply offences.
Five individuals have been dealt with for drug possession, the force said.
Additionally, a partial house closure order has been obtained to target drug misuse and associated anti-social behaviour.
Four arrests have been made for breach of this order, and regular checks are conducted to enforce it.
Further operations targeting drugs are scheduled throughout the year.
A Thames Valley Police spokesman said: "We would like to invite the community to comment on if you feel we are making improvements on those priorities and also our visibility.
"We would also like to hear your thoughts on what priorities you would like to see on the next Have Your Say Consultation in June.
“We would really like to hear from as many members of the community as possible, so please feel free to share on your social media feeds or send it to your friends and family.”
Rural communities in Bicester also directed police to focus on anti-social behaviour, drugs, and vehicle theft following a separate public consultation in February.
This came as 55 respondents aired their concerns during the Have Your Say meeting at Sainsbury’s in Upper Heyford and via an online survey.
The anti-social behaviour related particularly to incidents around the parade of shops and at Camp Road in Upper Heyford.
The police team acknowledged the focus areas and laid out plans to conduct operations and patrols in response.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here