Oxford North East

Shoplifting - London Road, Headington

The Oxford North East Neighbourhood Team has been working closely with local residents and businesses following concerns raised about repeated thefts from shops along London Road. Your feedback has been invaluable in helping us understand the scale of the issue and identify the most affected locations. In response, officers have significantly increased patrols, both on foot and in uniformed vehicles, providing a highly visible presence to deter offending and offer reassurance to those who work and live in the area.

As a result of this targeted activity, one individual was identified, arrested, interviewed, and subsequently charged with seven separate shoplifting offences. This positive outcome demonstrates the effectiveness of swift reporting and targeted patrols. Officers continue to monitor this individual closely, and ongoing reports from businesses and members of the public help us build a fuller picture of their offending behaviour, supporting further enforcement where necessary.

Additionally, another male, previously issued with a Community Protection Warning (CPW) for persistent begging and shoplifting, was identified again through both community reports and proactive policing. After his behaviour escalated, the CPW was upgraded to a Community Protection Notice (CPN), which places clear, enforceable restrictions on his conduct. Despite these measures, he continued to breach the conditions of the notice, leading officers to arrest him for the breach. He has since been placed on court bail with strict conditions, preventing him from engaging in further begging or shoplifting in the affected areas. Officers continue to liaise with partner agencies to ensure he also receives support to address underlying factors linked to his behaviour.

Alongside enforcement, our team is working with local businesses to provide crime prevention advice, including improving staff awareness, enhancing store layouts to reduce opportunities for theft, and encouraging prompt reporting. We are also maintaining close links with shop managers, security staff, Oxfordshire County Council, and community safety partners to ensure a joined up approach.

We strongly encourage residents and businesses to continue reporting any incidents or suspicious behaviour to the police. Your information directly supports our work—every report helps us identify patterns, allocate patrols effectively, and take robust action against those who repeatedly target local shops.
Offences in this area will continue to be dealt with firmly, and we remain committed to supporting the local business community and keeping London Road a safe place to shop, work, and visit.

Use of E-Scooters and illegal E-Bike and anti social use of motorbikes.

Following feedback received through our Community Priority Survey, tackling the misuse dangerous driving of illegal e-bikes, motorbikes has been identified as a key concern for residents across North East Oxford.

In response, Thames Valley Police will be increasing enforcement activity in locations highlighted by the community, including London Road, Croft Road Recreation Ground, Barton, and other identified hotspot areas. Officers will be carrying out targeted patrols, engaging with riders, and taking enforcement action where offences are identified.

Illegal e-bikes can pose a significant risk to riders, pedestrians, and other road users. Where e-bikes do not meet the legal requirements for use on public roads and public spaces, they will be seized and further action considered.

We would like to thank residents for raising this issue through the survey process. Community feedback helps us identify the matters that have the greatest impact on local people and allows us to direct our resources where they are needed most.

The Survey is now closed, but will reopen at the end of September for our November / December / January priorities.

Update - This weekend, an Operation took place on London Road, Headington. A number of illegal ebikes were seized, and Anti-social riding of bikes addressed by way of Section 59 notices. We will continue this activity in our hotspot locations.

Residents can expect to see an increased police presence and enforcement activity over the coming months as we work with partners to address this issue and improve safety across our neighbourhoods.

Please continue to report concerns through the appropriate reporting channels, as this information helps us identify emerging trends and target enforcement effectively.

Increase in theft of pedal cycle and theft from motor vehicle - John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford

We would like to update the community on the continued work being carried out by the North East Oxford Neighbourhood Team regarding Theft of Pedal Cycles and Theft from Motor Vehicles—both of which remain top priorities for us.
Since the start of the year, we are pleased to report that there has been only one incident of theft from a motor vehicle at the John Radcliffe Hospital. This positive outcome is largely due to the excellent communication and partnership working between John Radcliffe Hospital staff and Thames Valley Police. Their vigilance, along with prompt reporting and information sharing, has played a crucial role in reducing opportunities for offenders.

However, theft of pedal cycles continues to be an ongoing challenge. High value bikes and unsecured cycles remain attractive targets for offenders operating quickly and often without drawing attention. To combat this, the hospital grounds are supported by extensive CCTV coverage, which is being used proactively to deter offenders and aid in the identification of suspects.
Thames Valley Police are also conducting regular operations aimed at preventing thefts and catching those responsible. These operations include high visibility patrols, covert activity, and targeted engagement around cycle racks and known hotspots. Despite these efforts, we rely heavily on timely and accurate information from the public.

Feedback collected through recent “Have Your Say” events and community surveys has shown a worrying trend: many victims do not report their stolen bikes, assuming nothing can be done, or believing the bike is unlikely to be recovered. Unfortunately, if thefts are not reported, we cannot build an accurate picture of offending patterns, nor can we investigate or deploy resources effectively. Reports help us identify trends, hotspots, suspect descriptions, and repeat victims—information that is vital in reducing crime.
We take the theft of pedal cycles extremely seriously and understand the financial impact, inconvenience, and frustration that victims experience. A reported theft is the first step in both an investigation and broader problem solving.
If you have been a victim, or witness suspicious activity, please report it via the THames Valley Police website.