Kidlington

Burglary Crime Prevention

Location Focus:
•Kidlington
•Gosford
•Yarnton

This priority has been selected in response to concerns about burglary and attempted break ins across residential areas. We will provide monthly updates detailing progress, engagement work and enforcement activity.

Why This Priority Was Chosen

Residents highlighted a number of issues during the consultation, including:
•Suspicious vehicle movements and unknown persons seen in residential streets
•Concerns about home security, sheds and outbuildings
•A desire for more targeted crime prevention advice
•Fear of burglary, particularly during darker evening hours
•Requests for increased visibility and reassurance patrols

These themes reflect recent crime reports and intelligence submissions from the public and local partners.

What We Will Do over the next 3 months

High-Visibility Patrols and Reassurance

•Targeted uniformed patrols in residential areas across Kidlington, Gosford, and Yarnton
•Increased visibility during peak times for burglary offences (e.g. hours of darkness)
•Reassurance visits following reported incidents
Prevention-Focused Activity
•Delivery of burglary prevention advice to residents, including:

oHome security (locks, lighting, alarms)
oProperty marking and asset registration
•Promotion of schemes such as:
oNeighbourhood Watch
•Distribution of crime prevention materials at engagement events

Intelligence-Led Offender Management

•Identification and targeting of repeat and high-harm offenders
•Development of intelligence
•Use of appropriate powers (e.g. arrest, bail conditions) where thresholds are met
•Coordination with wider policing teams for cross-area offenders

Partnership Working

•Work with:

oCherwell District Council
oHousing providers
oCommunity safety partnerships
•Joint problem-solving for repeat locations and vulnerable victims
•Target hardening initiatives where appropriate
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
•Support robust investigation of reported burglaries
•Maximise opportunities from:
oCCTV and doorbell footage
oForensic submissions
oWitness accounts
•Ensure victims receive updates and safeguarding support where required

Community Engagement and Communication

•Regular communication via Thames Valley Police channels
•Attendance at community meetings and engagement events
•Sharing timely crime prevention messaging based on local trends

How You Can Help

Report All Incidents Promptly

Accurate and timely reporting helps us respond effectively:

•Online: Thames Valley Police website (www.thamesvalley.police.uk)
•Non-emergency: 101
•Emergency: 999 (if a burglary is in progress or immediate risk exists)

Protect Your Property

•Ensure doors and windows are locked and secure
•Use timers and lighting to make homes appear occupied
•Secure vehicles and avoid leaving valuables on display
Provide Information
•Report suspicious vehicles or individuals
•Share CCTV, doorbell footage, or witness information
•Submit intelligence about suspected offenders
Support Community Initiatives
•Join or engage with Neighbourhood Watch
•Look out for neighbours, particularly those who may be vulnerable
•Share prevention advice within your community

Kidlington Neighbourhood Policing Team remains committed to reducing burglary, protecting residents, and working with the community to prevent crime and improve safety across Kidlington, Gosford, and Yarnton.

E-Scooters/E-Bikes

Following a public consultation and online survey during May 2026, the community has identified concerns relating to the use of e-scooters and e-bikes across Kidlington.

Issues raised include unsafe riding, illegal use on public roads and pavements, and the associated risk to pedestrians and other road users.

In response, the Kidlington Neighbourhood Policing Team will prioritise education, enforcement, and engagement over the next three months to improve safety and ensure compliance with legislation.

Residents, businesses, and partners highlighted:

•Unsafe riding on pavements and in pedestrian areas
•Use of privately owned e-scooters on public roads, which is unlawful
•Speeding and inconsiderate riding of e-bikes and modified cycles
•Increased risk to vulnerable pedestrians, including elderly residents and children
•A need for clear guidance and visible enforcement

What We Will Do over the next 3 months

High-Visibility Patrols and Enforcement
•Increased uniformed patrols in key locations across Kidlington
•Focus on areas with high footfall, including local centres, parks, and routes to schools
•Proactive engagement and enforcement where offences are identified

Proportionate Use of Powers

Where offences are identified, officers will consider:

•Seizure of privately owned e-scooters being used unlawfully under s165 Road Traffic Act 1988 (no insurance)
•Dealing with offences including:
oRiding on pavements
oDangerous or careless cycling
•Issue of warnings, fixed penalties, or prosecution where appropriate

Education and Prevention

•Provide clear guidance to riders about legal use of e-scooters and e-bikes
•Engagement with schools and youth groups to promote safe and responsible use
•Work with partners to raise awareness of:
oThe legal requirement for insurance and authorised schemes (for e-scooters)
oSafe riding standards and consideration for others
Partnership Working
•Work alongside:
oCherwell District Council
oSchools and education providers
Intelligence and Problem-Solving
•Identify repeat offenders and hotspot locations
•Develop problem-solving plans where issues persist
•Use intelligence to direct patrols and enforcement activity effectively

Community Engagement

•Engage with residents and businesses during patrols
•Provide reassurance and respond to concerns raised
•Share updates via Thames Valley Police website and social media

How You Can Help

Report Unsafe or Illegal Use

Your reporting helps us target our activity effectively:

•Online: Thames Valley Police website (www.thamesvalley.police.uk)
•Non-emergency: 101
•Emergency: 999 (if there is immediate danger or risk of harm)
Provide Information

•Details of locations, times, and repeat behaviour
•Descriptions of riders or vehicles
•CCTV or mobile footage where available

Kidlington Neighbourhood Policing Team is committed to improving safety on our streets by addressing the misuse of e-scooters and e-bikes, protecting pedestrians, and promoting responsible behaviour across the community.

Anti-social Behaviour

Following a public consultation and online survey conducted during May 2026, the community has identified drug dealing/misuse and anti-social behaviour (ASB) as ongoing priorities in:

•Grovelands
•Exeter Close Park
•Park Hill Recreation Ground

Residents have raised concerns regarding visible drug activity, associated ASB, and the impact on community safety and quality of life. In response, the Kidlington Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) will deliver a coordinated, intelligence-led plan over the next three months to reduce harm and improve public confidence.

What the Community Told Us

Feedback from residents and partners identified:

•Suspected drug dealing and drug use in open spaces, particularly parks
•Associated anti-social behaviour, including gatherings causing nuisance, disorder, and intimidation
•Concerns for young people and vulnerable individuals being drawn into harmful behaviours
•A desire for increased visible policing and early intervention
•Ongoing issues at repeat locations during evenings and weekends

What We Will Do over the next 3 months

Targeted Patrols and Visibility

•Increased uniformed foot patrols in Grovelands, Exeter Close Park, and Park Hill Recreation Ground
•Patrols focused on identified peak times informed by incident data and community reporting
•Deployment of plain clothes officers where appropriate to disrupt drug activity

Tackling Drug Dealing and Misuse

•Identification and targeting of suspected dealers and repeat offenders
•Use of stop and search powers under PACE where lawful and proportionate
•Consideration of warrants and enforcement action where evidential thresholds are met

Addressing Anti-Social Behaviour

•Early identification of problem individuals and groups
•Use of proportionate interventions, including:
oAcceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs)
oCommunity Protection Warnings/Notices (CPWs/CPNs)
oDispersal powers where necessary
•Escalation to enforcement where behaviour persists

Safeguarding and Partnership Working

•Work alongside:
oCherwell District Council
oYouth services and outreach teams
oSubstance misuse services
oHousing providers
•Identify and safeguard vulnerable individuals, including those at risk of exploitation or substance dependency
•Provide pathways into support and treatment services
Community Engagement and Reassurance
•Ongoing engagement with residents, park users, and community groups
•Attendance at local meetings and events
•Visible presence to provide reassurance and build trust
•Regular updates via Thames Valley Police channels

How You Can Help

Report Incidents and Concerns

Your reports help us build an accurate intelligence picture and take action:

•Online: Thames Valley Police website (www.thamesvalley.police.uk)
•Non-emergency: 101
•Emergency: 999 (if there is immediate risk or a crime in progress)

You can also report anonymously via Crimestoppers (0800 555 111).

Share Information

•Provide details of locations, times, and behaviour patterns
•Descriptions of individuals or vehicles involved
•Submit CCTV or doorbell footage where available
•Report concerns around vulnerability or exploitation

Kidlington Neighbourhood Policing Team is committed to tackling drug-related harm and anti-social behaviour, protecting vulnerable people, and ensuring local parks and neighbourhoods remain safe and welcoming for all.