THAMES Valley Police Chief Constable Peter Neyroud went on patrol in Bicester to find out about problems in the town.

Pc Matt Jenkins and Chief Constable Peter Neyroud

He took the opportunity to join beat officer Pc Matt Jenkins in Market Square and Sheep Street.

The visit was part of Mr Neyroud's tour of all police stations in the Thames Valley area.

He was brought up to speed with problems in the town, including criminal damage, car crime and alcohol related disorder.

Mr Neyroud said: "I'm not terribly surprised Bicester has problems with alcohol related violence because of the mix of a garrison and market town."

But he went on to praise a joint police and Cherwell District Council initiative to ban drinking in town centre streets.

He declined to comment on the proposed asylum seekers' centre near Bicester, but said he would be asking the Home Office for money to pay for more officers if the scheme was approved.