Ruscote, Neithrop and Hardwick — Neighbourhood Policing Team

Anti-Social Behaviour - Bradley Arcade / Bretch Hill / Princess Diana Park

Residents may have noticed an increased police presence within Banbury town centre during this period. This proactive deployment has focused on visibility, engagement, and disruption, and has contributed to a reduction in calls for service relating to anti - social behaviour. Alongside this, the team has placed an emphasis on locating and arresting individuals wanted on court warrants after failing to appear. Progress in this area has supported the wider criminal justice process and helped provide reassurance to victims by ensuring outstanding matters are addressed. The Neighbourhood Policing Team has also launched a new community engagement initiative, “A Walk in the Park.” This initiative provides local residents with an informal opportunity to meet neighbourhood officers, discuss concerns, and better understand how we can work together to address community issues. Details of upcoming walks, including dates and locations, can be found in the Events tab. Action continues to be taken in relation to the illegal use of e - scooters. Officers remain committed to reducing unsafe and unlawful use on public roads and footpaths. Residents are reminded that e - scooters are only lawful when used on private land with the permission of the landowner. In line with updated policy, PCSOs are now authorised to seize e - scooters being used illegally. Once seized, these devices will not be returned. This enforcement approach has been communicated to the public to ensure clarity around expectations and consequences. Thank you for your continued support as we work collaboratively to keep Banbury safe and welcoming for all.

Set: 2026-05-01

Drugs - possession of and supply.

The Neighbourhood Policing Team continues to take robust action in response to concerns raised by residents relating to drug use and suspected drug dealing across the Banbury area. Community intelligence remains vital to this work, and officers have continued to engage with residents, businesses, and partner agencies to build a clearer picture of local issues and emerging trends. Throughout recent months, officers and PCSOs have carried out regular high - visibility and plain - clothes patrols in identified hotspot locations. These patrols have been intelligence - led and focused on disrupting drug - related activity, identifying offenders, and reducing the associated anti - social behaviour that often impacts local communities. As a result of this activity, a number of stop searches have been conducted in accordance with legislative powers and force policy. This has led to the seizure of Class A and Class B controlled drugs, with individuals dealt with proportionately through arrest, community resolution, or referral into the criminal justice process as appropriate. The team continues to work closely with specialist departments, including the Priority Crime Team, to address wider drug supply concerns and support longer - term disruption activity. Safeguarding remains a key consideration, particularly where vulnerable individuals are identified, with referrals made to partner agencies where necessary. Tackling drug misuse and supply remains a key neighbourhood priority. This proactive work will continue, alongside ongoing engagement and reassurance patrols, to ensure Banbury remains a safe environment for residents, visitors, and businesses.

Set: 2026-05-01

Careless Driving / Speeding

Between January, February and March, Fixed and Mobile Safety Cameras recorded over 900 traffic offences. All offences have been processed by the Fixed Penalty Unit. The Neighbourhood Policing Team continues to work in partnership with Roads Policing colleagues on Operation Scalis, an initiative funded by the Motor Insurance Bureau. The operation primarily targets uninsured drivers, while also allowing officers to detect and deal with a wider range of road traffic offences. Our next joint day of action with Roads Policing is scheduled for November. In addition to these planned operations, your local Neighbourhood Policing Team continues to carry out routine patrols and will take action against traffic offences as they are identified. The most common issues currently being encountered include the illegal use of e - scooters and mobile phone use whilst driving. The team has also recently been equipped with a new speed camera, enabling us to carry out local speed enforcement activity on a weekly basis, where resources allow. It should be noted that enforcing speeding offences requires the use of specially calibrated equipment to ensure accuracy. In appropriate circumstances, poor driving behaviour may also be addressed under the offence of driving without due care and attention. Further updates will be provided following our next operation, including details of activity and outcomes.

Set: 2026-05-01