The following is an edited extract from the Thames Valley update document
Update from neighbourhood specialist officer PC Caroline Brown
Over the last month, several vehicles have been stolen within the rural community and also theft form insecure vehicles. It would appear that the offenders are targeting vehicles that are in use at the time and the owners are parking up for a short period and leaving their keys in the ignition. On one such occasion a parcel delivery van was stolen from Stoke Lyne while the driver was delivering items to a nearby house.
There is an ongoing investigation and Thames Valley Police is working in conjunction with Northamptonshire Police. We advise residents to be extra vigilant and report any suspicious vehicles or persons that appear to be cruising around. We would also remind local people that while we live in an extremely safe area, we still need to follow basic security measures and not leaving your keys in your car is obviously one of these.,P. This month we have been monitoring the parking in various places, including Steeple Aston and Caulcott, where we have received complaints about drivers parking their vehicles inappropriately and obstructing other road users.
This is something we will continue to monitor and, if necessary, parking tickets will be issued. May I remind people it is an offence to obstruct the highway, including parking within 10 metres of a junction.
Unfortunately, the speed gun has been away at the manufacturer for repair and calibration and only returned in the last few days. However we still have the use of a speed indicator device on loan for a period of time and we will be visiting various locations on the rural area. The speed indicator device, or SID as it is known, is positioned at the side of the road and displays the speed at which the oncoming vehicle is travelling at. This advises drivers of their speed and urges them to slow down, but is not an enforcement device.
The PCSOs have visited various clubs around the area, including Fringford Whist Club , Steeple Aston Valentine Club and Stratton Audley weekly coffee morning. PCSO Susan Cooper attended Piddington village hall where they were holding a pudding tasting evening; she thoroughly enjoyed it and is looking forward to the next one very much!
PCSO Louise Penfold held police surgeries outside the post office in Ambrosden on 4, 11 and 29 September as well as outside the Londis shop in Launton on 2, 10, 20 and 24 September. She has further surgeries planned and advertises them on parish notice boards, so please keep a look out. This is an opportunity for people to come along and have a chat with us and raise any concerns they have that we can assist with.
If there is anything that is concerning you about policing in Bicester, please contact me on 0845 8 505 505 or email here