Woodstock

Drug use and suspected drug dealing have been identified as a significant concern by residents in Woodstock and Stonesfield. The Neighbourhood Policing Team recognises the impact that illegal drug activity can have on local communities, including increased anti-social behaviour, crime, and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
We are committed to tackling drug-related offending through a combination of enforcement, intelligence gathering, safeguarding, and partnership working. By working closely with local communities and partner agencies, we aim to disrupt those involved in the supply of illegal drugs while supporting those affected by substance misuse.

- Conduct targeted patrols in areas where drug-related activity has been reported or identified.
- Develop and act upon intelligence relating to drug use, drug dealing, and associated criminality.
- Carry out enforcement activity against individuals involved in the supply of illegal drugs.
- Work with partner agencies to safeguard vulnerable people who may be at risk of exploitation or substance misuse.
- Encourage residents to report information relating to drug activity in their communities.
- Use appropriate legislation and policing powers to disrupt drug-related offending.
- Engage with local schools, community groups, and partner organisations to raise awareness of the risks associated with drug use.
- Regularly review intelligence and community feedback to ensure policing activity remains focused on areas of greatest concern.

Road safety has been identified as a key concern by residents across Woodstock and surrounding villages, with particular issues relating to speeding, drink and drug driving, and anti-social or dangerous parking.

These behaviours can put road users, pedestrians, and local communities at risk, while also impacting residents' quality of life. The Neighbourhood Policing Team is committed to working with partner agencies and the community to address these concerns and improve safety across the area.

- Conduct targeted patrols in locations identified as speeding hotspots.
- Carry out enforcement and intelligence-led operations targeting drink and drug drivers.
- Work with Community Speedwatch groups and local councils to identify and address road safety concerns.
- Take appropriate action against vehicles causing obstruction, danger, or anti-social parking issues.
- Engage with residents, schools, and community groups to promote safer driving behaviours.
- Use community feedback and reported incidents to identify emerging concerns and direct police resources effectively.
- Support road safety campaigns and national enforcement initiatives aimed at reducing casualties and improving driver behaviour.

Recent engagement with local retailers has identified shoplifting as a key concern within the Woodstock and Long Hanborough area, and it has been adopted as a local policing priority.

While reports of shoplifting remain relatively low, feedback from businesses suggests that incidents may be underreported. The Neighbourhood Policing Team is therefore working closely with local retailers to encourage reporting, gather intelligence, and improve opportunities for positive outcomes through the criminal justice process.

Shoplifting not only affects local businesses but can also contribute to wider issues within the community, including anti-social behaviour and fear of crime. To address this priority, officers will be carrying out targeted patrols in affected areas, engaging with local businesses, schools, and community groups, and taking robust enforcement action where offences are identified.

We encourage anyone who witnesses or experiences shoplifting to report it so that appropriate action can be taken and patterns of offending can be identified.

- Increase engagement with local retailers and encourage the reporting of shoplifting offences.
- Conduct targeted patrols in identified hotspot locations.
- Work with businesses to improve crime prevention measures and intelligence sharing.
- Engage with schools and youth groups to prevent offending and raise awareness.
- Identify and pursue repeat offenders using intelligence-led policing tactics.
- Take positive enforcement action against offenders and seek appropriate criminal justice outcomes.
- Regularly review reported incidents and community feedback to measure progress against the priority.