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Oxford Community Information Weekly Newsletter 20-4-25 This newsletter was started during the pandemic to inform about crime, scams and general interest for the community.
Collated and edited by volunteer Maggie Lewis Area Representative and Administrator for Oxford Neighbourhood Watch Committee Member Thames Valley Neighbourhood Watch Association Cyberhood Watch Ambassador (National Neighbourhood Watch) SCAMbassador for Oxford (National Trading Standards)
You can join or apply to set up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme at https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/joinNW or any comments/information/queries or unsubscribing onw.enquiries@gmail.com Social Media sites https://www.facebook.com/groups/1937740226361938 (Oxford NW) https://www.facebook.com/groups/605172170528080 (Oxford NW Coordinators) https://www.facebook.com/groups/851711156124037 (Thames Valley Appeals) https://www.facebook.com/groups/1120468772825909 (Missing people in England and Wales) https://www.facebook.com/groups/550195784274126 (WANTED - Police appeals across England and Wales)
CONTENTS OXFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH 1) How to check an officer's identity THAMES VALLEY POLICE 1) Road Safety 2) Stalking or harassment 3) Contact an officer or member of police staff 4) Speak to an Officer TVP CHERWELL TVP OXFORD 1) Cornmarket Street 2) M40 3) Missing person update SCAM AWARENESS 1) Urgent emails 2) Fraud and cybercrime statistics 3) Can I report a scammer to the police? 4) Get Safe Online 5) Stop Loan Sharks 6) Stop! Think fraud 7) Identity Fraud is on the rise 8) Scam pop-ups on Windows CRIME PREVENTION 1) Hollie Guard app. 2) Essential Tips for Home Security CRIME INFORMATION 1) Spiking 2) Operation Scalis 3) Drugs threat 4) Mobile phones 5) Support After Crime Service 6) Keyless Car Theft OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL 1) Oxford May Day Celebrations 2) May 1st elections 3) Consultations OXFORD CITY COUNCIL 1) Consultations 2) Emergency shelter helped 128 people this winter 3) Bin collections 4) Meetings 5) VE Day 80th Anniversary and St. George's Day in Oxford GENERAL INFORMATION 1) Car breakdown 2) Feeding ducks and geese 3) Priority Services Register 4) Common causes of car collisions 5) Bus service updates 6) Child Prevention Accident Trust 7) Baby loss remembrance and support service at Christchurch Cathedral 8) Network Rail 9) Getting Your Money Back 10) Easter 2025 Bank Holiday Pharmacy Opening Hours Reminder
OXFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH 1) How to check an officer's identity
There have been occasions when fraudsters have posed as police officers, both in person and on the phone, to trick people into giving them personal information and defraud them of money. If you're unsure about whether the person you're dealing with is a genuine police officer – stop – and call us on 101 to check their identity.
THAMES VALLEY POLICE 1) Road Safety The leading causes of serious injury and death on UK roads are speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing a seat belt and using a mobile phone while driving. Find out more about these offences and the penalties they carry and how to report incidents or collisions if they occur. www.thamesvalley.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rs/road-safety/
2) Stalking or harassment If you, or someone you know, has experienced two or more incidents of stalking or harassment you can report it to us. We understand it can be difficult to tell us about what's happened, but we want to hear from you. We take these offences very seriously. Before you report, you don’t need to gather ‘evidence’ about what’s been happening, like text messages, videos or photos. Anything you’ve got like that can be useful to us, but don’t delay reporting to get it. Your information could help us bring the offender to justice and make sure you, and other people in a similar situation, are kept safe. You can ring 999 in an emergency or 1010 for non-emergency issues.
You can report stalking or harassment online. Your report will be dealt with by our control room in exactly the same way as if you'd spoken to an officer directly.
3) Contact an officer or member of police staff
4) Speak to an Officer TVP Contact If you want to speak to an officer in person, we can provide a safe and comfortable environment at any of our police stations. If you need a translator, we can provide someone by phone to start with and later in person.
Oxford Police Station (British Transport Police)Police Station address Oxford Station Police Station opening times No public facing counter
Aylesbury Police Station (Thames Valley Police)Police Station address Wendover Road Police Station opening times Opens 8am to 8pm Daily
TVP CHERWELL 1) Missing persons Thank you.  
TVP OXFORD 1) Cornmarket Street Thames Valley Police is releasing an image of a person officers would like to speak to in relation to an incident of grievous bodily harm (GBH) in Oxford. At approximately 5.30pm on 17 March this year, a man has walked past and pulled a delivery driver worker by his fast food delivery bag off his bike in Cornmarket Street. The victim fell from the bike onto the floor, sustaining a broken hip, which has left him unable to work. Investigating officer PC Edward Lee, based at Oxford police station, said: “This was a GBH-level assault where a man has sustained a serious and debilitating injury to his hip which has meant he is unable to work and his family impacted financially. “I am releasing this image of a man who I believe may have vital information that could help in this investigation. “If this person is you, or you know who he is, I would ask you to please contact Thames Valley Police, either via our website, or by calling 101, quoting reference number 43250130721. “I would also appeal to anybody who believes that they witnessed this incident to get in touch with us. “You can also report anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.” 
2) M40 We are appealing for your help
We are investigating an incident involving a Black Tesla Model Y travelling northbound on the M40. The male driver has been seen to be touching himself inappropriately over a prolonged period of time while driving along the motorway. This has been a very distressing incident for the victim The driver is described as male, white, dressed in all black clothing, aged 40 - early 50's. Behaviour like this will not be tolerated by Thames Valley Police and we would ask anyone who was targeted by this male to come forward and make a report. We will take your report seriously. We are also asking anyone who witnessed the male's behaviour, especially anyone with dashcam or other images of the incident to come forward. We are particularly interested in two "workmen" in a van who appeared to notice the Tesla drivers behaviour towards the victim. You can contact us on 101 or online via the Thames Valley Police website quoting ref: 43250177120
3) Missing person update It is believed that Jonathan is in the Oxfordshire area. Thames Valley Police have taken over the investigation to locate him. We are appealing for your help to locate Jonathan, 48, from Swindon. Jonathan was last seen at midday on Thursday (10/04). He was last seen wearing a dark t shirt, blue jeans, a gilet, large brown boots and a back pack. It is believed that Jonathan may have taken a train from Chippenham to Marylebone between 8.30pm last night (14/04) and 6.30am this morning (15/04). Jonathan is vulnerable and may appear confused. If you can help us to locate him please contact us on 101 quoting reference number 54250045851. If you are with Jonathan please call 999. 
SCAM AWARENESS 1) Urgent emails Don’t get caught: that urgent email asking you to "verify your account" might not be what it seems. Always check the sender's email address carefully and hover over links before clicking. When in doubt, go directly to the website instead of using the link provided. If you think an email could be a scam, you can report it by forwarding the email to: report@phishing.gov.uk Send any emails that feel suspicious, even if you're not certain they're a scam. https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/phishing-scams
2) Fraud and cybercrime statistics https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/fraud-stats 
3) Can I report a scammer to the police? You can report a scam to the police in the UK by contacting Action Fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040. Here's a breakdown of how to report a scam:
4) Get Safe Online Imagine you’re sitting in a café or pub, and somebody you’ve never met before offers you tickets for a sold-out concert or event that you really want to see. All you need to do is give them the cash there and then, and they’ll drop them through your letterbox in a couple of days. You wouldn’t really do this in a café or pub, would you? So why do it on social media, auction sites or fan forums? Because actually, it’s no different. This month, Get Safe Online is providing expert advice on buying tickets safely online. To learn more, simply visit our website in the link below or read the tips in the attached leaflet. Buying and selling tickets – your safety guide - Get Safe Online
5) Stop Loan Sharks Stop Loan Sharks will help get you safely away from loan sharks. We are here for you at any time for day or night. Report a loan shark on 0300 555 2222 or complete our safe online form and we will contact you. https://www.stoploansharks.co.uk/resources/ Free confidential debt advice For free, confidential debt advice on money worries from legal lenders visit: Stepchange – www.stepchange.org National debtline – www.nationaldebtline.org Pay Plan – www.payplan.com/vo/debtadvice Christians against poverty – capuk.org Money Advice Trust – www.moneyadvicetrust.org Save the student – https://www.savethestudent.org/  6) Stop! Think fraud  7) Identity Fraud is on the rise Identity theft is when a fraudster steals parts of your identity, such as your name, address and phone number, in order to commit identity fraud. It was the most prevalent type of fraud reported last year according to fraud prevention service, Cifas. Cifas reports that cases of account takeover, where fraudsters hijack accounts using compromised data, drastically increased by 76% in 2024, with over 74,000 cases recorded. There were also increases in fraudsters impersonating victims through personal store cards, personal bank accounts, personal credit cards and motor insurance. Criminals hijacking mobile phone accounts made up half of all account takeover cases, rising by 105%. Cases of Sim-swap fraud, where criminals steal your mobile number and link it to their own Sim, also skyrocketed with 3,000 cases reported, a 1,055% increase. There was also an increase in cases of false applications, when fake information is used to obtain documents. Cifas noted that artificial intelligence (AI) has helped with the speed, sophistication and scale of false documentation, as well as aiding the ability to pass verification checks.
8) Scam pop-ups on Windows Scam pop-ups on your computer are designed to cause panic, using urgent messages, flashing warnings and fake alerts to grab your attention. Click a link, and you risk handing over your personal information to fraudsters.
If you see a pop-up asking you to call a number, even if it looks like it’s from Microsoft, it's a scam. Below is an example of a scam pop-up featuring a fake support number - please do not use. 
https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/how-to-stop-scam-pop-ups-on-windows-akYuC8h4DADt
CRIME PREVENTION 1) Hollie Guard app. Help protect yourself, a friend or a family member with Hollie Guard. Every 5 seconds the platform will update your precise location based on your speed and movement activity to identify where you are once an alert has been raised. HollieGuard is a personal alarm, deterrent, evidence catcher and more. Providing a lot more functionality than a regular keyring alarm for absolutely anyone who has safety in mind. For more information please see the below link: HollieGuard - Personal Safety App
2) Essential Tips for Home Security
Ensure everyone in your household knows basic security measures, such as locking doors and windows and not opening the door to strangers.
CRIME INFORMATION 1) Spiking Spiking is giving someone alcohol or drugs without them knowing or agreeing. For example, in their drink. It can happen to anyone anywhere. It can be carried out by strangers or by people you know. Remember: you are not to blame if you are spiked. The symptoms vary depending on what someone has spiked you with. They can be similar to having excess alcohol. If you start to feel strange or more drunk than you thought you should be, seek help straight away. If you feel seriously unwell, call 999 or ask someone to get you emergency medical assistance. The sooner a report is made, the better the chance of obtaining the evidence to catch the offender. More advice here: https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/ro/report/report-spiking/v2/report-spiking/
2) Operation Scalis Operation Scalis is a collaborative initiative involving local neighbourhood teams and roads policing teams to use ANPR technology to identify markers on vehicles and intercept them. The primary targets are uninsured vehicles, but any additional criminal activity discovered is also addressed.
3) Drugs threat National Crime Agency The drugs threat in the UK is rising. Cocaine, cannabis, ketamine and new synthetic drugs are all increasing in use with a rising death toll to match. However, the number of arrests for importation has also significantly increased, and new legislation will allow for more targeted interventions by border agencies. https://nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk/nsa-2025
4) Mobile phones Using your mobile phone while driving increases your chances of being involved in a collision. If you’re caught using a handheld mobile phone while driving, you’ll receive six penalty points and a £200 fine. New drivers also risk having their licence revoked if they accrue six or more penalty points within the first 24 months of passing their test. Please don’t put others at risk - keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel. To learn more about road safety, visit: https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rs/road-safety/
5) Support After Crime Service The Support After Crime Service supports young people who are dealing with the effects of crime. SAFE! is an independent charity and this service is provided free of charge. Anyone can refer themselves or a friend who lives in the Thames Valley (Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes). https://www.safeproject.org.uk/how-we-work.php
6) Keyless Car Theft 
OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL 1) Oxford May Day Celebrations VARIOUS ROADS – TEMPORARY TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION 14 (1), (5) & (7) High Street & Longwall Street Area Temporary Prohibition of Vehicles Date of Order: 22 April 2025 – In force: 1st May This Order is being introduced on public safety grounds during May Day celebrations between 2am & 9am on Thursday 1st May, because of the likelihood of danger to the public due to the congestion of vehicles and pedestrians on Magdalen Bridge. The effect of the Order, which comes into force on 1 May is to close junctions and prohibit motor vehicles and bicycles (being ridden) in part of High Street from The Plain to just east of its junction with King Edward Street; also Longwall Street from its junction with High Street to Holywell Street; Rose Lane and Queens Lane in their entirety; and Merton Street at its junction with High Street. Exemptions are included for emergency services and property access. A full closure of The Plain may be invoked in an emergency or if numbers of those attending present an overcrowding issue. The alternative route for motor vehicles under 7.5 tonnes from the south is either via Iffley Road, Donnington Bridge Road, Weirs Lane, and Abingdon Road towards central Oxford or; from the east via St Clements Street, Marston Road, Cherwell Drive, Marston Ferry Road, Banbury Road and vice versa. The alternative route for motor vehicles over 7.5 tonnes from the south is via Iffley Road, Rose Hill Roundabout, Eastern by-pass A4142, A423, Abingdon Road towards central Oxford and vice versa. The ANPR traffic Camera located at King Edward Street/Oriel Square will be deactivated to allow access to Merton Street between 2am & 9am. The relevant permanent restrictions in the Oxfordshire County Council (City of Oxford) (Central Area) (Traffic Management) (Consolidation) Order 2003 (as amended) will be temporarily suspended for the duration of the event. This Order will remain in force for the duration of the measures associated with the event. (Ref: S25–007)
2) May 1st elections Don't forget you'll need to show valid photo ID. No ID? You can apply for free voter ID now but make sure you do it before 23 April. Find out what is accepted and apply if you need to. https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/voter-id/accepted-forms-photo-id
3) Consultations
This year, we are refreshing the Oxfordshire Tobacco Control Strategy (OTCS) for 2026-2030. The strategy aims to outline the priorities and targets that the Tobacco Control Alliance partners should come together to achieve and focus our actions where they are most needed. https://letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/oxfordshire-tobacco-control-strategy-2026-2030
4) Upcoming large public events Details of large public events that mean road or footpath closures.
OXFORD CITY COUNCIL 1) Consultations
Oxford City Council is starting the preparation of a new Local Plan for the city to guide where new development can go. This early involvement is taking place prior to the legally required stages to seek early views from residents, businesses and other bodies to help identify the main issues being faced. https://consultation.oxford.gov.uk/planning-services/localplan2042-earlyengagement/ Closing Date 28 April 2025
2) Emergency shelter helped 128 people this winter As we head into Easter, it finally feels like freezing weather is now behind us. This means we’re unlikely to activate our severe weather emergency protocol (SWEP) for people experiencing rough sleeping again until next winter. While we provide support to help people off the streets all year round, SWEP is an extra lifeline during freezing weather. It means we lay on extra beds for anyone who wants to come inside – including people with no right to housing or who normally refuse offers of help. SWEP helped protect 128 people by providing them with an emergency bed this winter. We activated or extended SWEP eight times, with the number of people accessing a bed ranging from 10 to 25 on any one night. In all, this meant there were 623 stays in a SWEP bed throughout the winter. We provide a different range of services for people experiencing rough sleeping during hot weather. To find out more about winter and summer SWEP, head over to our website.
3) Bin collections The Easter bank holidays will not affect any bin collections for Oxford residents. Please present bins as usual on your normal collection day.
4) Meetings
Finance and Performance Panel (Panel of the Scrutiny Committee): Monday 14 April, 6pm. Watch the recorded live stream on our YouTube. General Purposes Licensing Casework Sub-Committee: Monday 14 April, 6pm Oxford City Planning Committee: Tuesday 15 April, 6pm Planning Review Committee: Thursday 17 April, 6pm
Council meetings take place at Oxford Town Hall and are open to the public. Special Meeting, General Purposes Licensing Casework Sub-Committee: Tuesday 22 April, 6pm.
5) VE Day 80th Anniversary and St. George's Day in Oxford
On Sunday 27 April, a service will be held at St. Michael's at the North Gate to jointly celebrate St. George's Day and mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in Europe (VE Day). The service will be held at 10.30am and is open to all. For those who cannot attend the service, it will be livestreamed at this link
GENERAL INFORMATION 1) Car breakdown Do you know what to do if you break down? In this nightmare situation, remember Highway Code rule 276:
2) Feeding ducks and geese As the weather begins to get nicer and you take your children to a local pond or lake to feed the ducks and geese, please keep this bit of info in mind. Feeding bread causes permanent damage to ducks and geese. They develop angel wing. They can not migrate or fly to avoid predators. PLEASE DO NOT FEED BREAD to ducks and geese. Cracked corn, corn, peas, mealworms, romaine lettuce, watermelon, grapes CUT into pieces, cantaloupe……are a few good options.
3) Priority Services Register Do you have a vulnerable relative or neighbour? Did you know you can register for The Priority Services Register https://orlo.uk/lGV20 which is a free service providing extra advice and support to those in need, when there’s an interruption to electricity, gas or water supplies? 4) Common causes of car collisions
Speeding (primary cause)
5) Bus service updates OXFORD BUS COMPANY
15th - 21st Apr 2025 On Good Friday and Easter Monday, Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel services will operate to a Sunday timetable.
22nd Apr 2025
Due to roadworks, the Blackbird Leys-bound Howard Street East stop will be temporarily suspended on 22/04. During this time, passengers are advised to use the Magdalen Road East or Shelley Road stops. STAGECOACH Our local bus services will be running to slightly different timetables over the Easter period:
The Oxford Tube will be running to slightly different timetables over the Easter period. Oxford Tube Easter Timetable Information
This closure will occur for a maximum duration of one hour, with at least 24 hours' notice provided for bus operations. Additionally, updates will be available on the Stagecoach App and social media. The closure is scheduled to take place once a week between 8th April and 13th May 2025. During all other times, three-way traffic signals will be in operation from 07:30 to 17:30, with clear highway conditions outside of these hours. As a result, the 600 service will follow a diversion route and will not be able to serve the bus stops located between Brake Hill Roundabout and Garsington Road Roundabout (Ambassador Avenue). For further information:  The impacted bus stops in both directions include: - Brake Hill Roundabout Bus Stop - Little Bury Bus Stop - Green Hill Bus Stop - Lidl Bus Stop - Car Factory Gate Bus Stop The nearest alternative bus stops during this period will be located at Tarragon Drive Bus Stop and The Longwall Bus Stop. Throughout the closure, the 600 Service will follow a diversion route between Brake Hill Roundabout and Garsington Road: Grenoble Road – Kassam Stadium – Sandford – Littlemore and Eastern–By –Pass, while continuing to maintain its regular schedule Delays are highly anticipated on 600 services on some of the bus stops, we apologise for any inconvenience caused by this closure.
6) Child Prevention Accident Trust  It’s that time of year again when mini eggs are lining the supermarket shelves. But, did you know that, just like grapes, they are the perfect size to block a small child’s airway and choke them? And, their hard shell can make it difficult to dislodge with standard first aid techniques. With whole grapes we advise cutting them in half lengthways and ideally into quarters to create thin strips. But chopping up mini eggs isn’t as easy. So, what can you do?
Visit our choking hub to learn more about common choking hazards and what you should do in an emergency: https://capt.org.uk/choking-prevention/
7) Baby loss remembrance and support service at Christchurch Cathedral Anyone who has either personally lost a baby at any stage of pregnancy, at birth, or in early years, or who has been affected by family members' or friends' loss. Whether the loss was recent or 80 years ago, everyone is welcome to attend. We have also extended the services, and gladly welcome anyone who is grieving the fact that they haven't had children. This may be due to circumstance, infertility, or for other reasons - but all are welcome. Babies and children are also invited to come with their families, as the Saying Goodbye service is truly a family event for all. 17/05/25 1pm Christ Church Cathedral
8) Network Rail
Our next monthly residents’ meeting is taking place on Wednesday of next week, followed by a session on 21 May as follows: Weds 23 April 5pm – 6pm, The King’s Centre, Osney Mead, Oxford. OX2 0ES
This weekend we will be working to install a ‘capping beam’ on both the south east and south west sides of the piled wall we installed last year to support props needed to safely carry out excavation work. Activities being completed will include:
With these completed, we will then be able to work on drainage and the pile caps for the previously installed foundations, which will spread the load of the new bridge once it’s in place.
As preparations ramp up for our sewer diversions, we’ve been completing surveys on the site of the former YHA building this week. We’re assessing the ground to ensure it can take the weight of a crane we’ll need to set up on the site to progress with the sewer work. We are having discussions with the Westgate Hotel, and with a small number of residents on Mill Street, whose access to the side and rear of their properties will be affected by this work over the coming months.
9) Getting Your Money Back https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/changed-your-mind/cancelling-a-service-youve-arranged/ Getting Your Money Back
In the first instance, it is best to contact the trader. If they don't respond to you or refuse to provide a refund, you can ask your card provider or PayPal to help.
10) Easter 2025 Bank Holiday Pharmacy Opening Hours Reminder 
Wishing you an enjoyable week ahead Take care, Maggie Lewis | ||||
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