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Oxford Community Information Weekly Newsletter 10-11-24 Newsletter and information collated and edited by volunteer Maggie Lewis Area Representative and Administrator for Oxford Neighbourhood Watch Cyberhood Watch Ambassador (National Neighbourhood Watch) SCAMbassador for Oxford (National Trading Standards) You can join or apply to set up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme at https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/joinNW
For any comments/information/queries or unsubscribing onw.enquiries@gmail.com Social Media sites https://www.facebook.com/groups/1937740226361938 https://www.facebook.com/groups/605172170528080 https://www.facebook.com/groups/851711156124037 https://www.facebook.com/groups/1468705609993749
CONTENTS NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH NETWORK 1) Our News 2) November 2024 Crime and Community webinars
OXFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH 1) Thames Valley Police Assistant Chief Constable
POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER 1) This Week
SOUTH OXON AND VALE OF WHITE HORSE 1) Missing person update
TVP WEST OXFORDSHIRE 1) Missing person
TVP OXFORD 1) Banbury Road 2) Osler Road 3) Abingdon Road
NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING TEAMS 1) Survey 2) Oxford Central
SCAM AWARENESS 1) Giveaway scams 2) Reporting scam adverts 3) Scam Marshal Newsletter 4) Text messages 5) Build--up to Christmas 6) AA scam 7) Charity fraud
CRIME PREVENTION 1) Crimestoppers and Neighbourhood Watch 2) ATM withdrawals 3) How safe is your flat? 4) Rogue Traders 5) Retail crime
CRIME INFORMATION 1) Hollie Guard app 2) Stalking 3) Crimestoppers 4) Cuckooing 5) Shop theft 6) You Have a Voice Campaign (police conduct) 7) UK Safer Internet Centre’s Sextortion Report
OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL 1) Stop smoking 2) Pilot bus travel scheme to help asylum seekers 3) Targeted Youth Support Service 4) Primary school applications for September 2025
OXFORD CITY COUNCIL 1) Remembrance Sunday 2) Armistice Day 3) Consultation 4) Christmas Lights
OXFORD DIRECT SERVICES 1) Cooking oil disposal
GENERAL INFORMATION 1) Bus service updates 2) Pension Credit 3) Advice for cyclists 4) Railway Guardian 5) Oxford Christmas Lunch 6) Food Alerts 7) Product Recalls 8) Bill to ban police cell mental health detentions 9) Pharmacy Services 10) Hourglass Safer Ageing Week 11) World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims 12) Healthwatch 13) Network Rail 14) List of recipients of the Elizabeth Emblem 2024
 Royal British Legion Our red poppy is a symbol of both Remembrance and hope for a peaceful future. https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/remembrance/about-remembrance/the-poppy
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH NETWORK 1) Our News https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/sites/default/files/documents/2024-11/Our%20News%20November%202024.pdf
2) November 2024 Crime and Community webinars https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/webinars
OXFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH Neighbourhood Watch is about people coming together to look out for one another and making our communities safer and more pleasant places to live and work. We also aim to promote neighbourliness and community cohesion by helping people feel safe and looking out for our neighbours https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/joinNW
1) Thames Valley Police Assistant Chief Constable
POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER 1) This Week  TVP SOUTH OXON AND VALE OF WHITE HORSE 1) Missing man update We are pleased to say that we have located Joshua, who was missing from the Abingdon area. Thank you very much for your support from the appeal to find him.
TVP WEST OXFORDSHIRE 1) Missing person Have you seen Kelly? The 21-year-old is missing from Witney. We are appealing for help in tracing missing woman Kelly. Kelly, aged 21, was last seen at around 12.40pm on Thursday (7/11) at Oxford Railway Station. Kelly is a white woman, is approximately 5ft tall and has brown hair. She was last seen wearing dark leggings, a black puffer jacket, pink and black trainers and either a black hooded jumper or black beanie hat. Kelly also has an Adidas backpack, which she may wear over or under her coat If you see her, please call 999 quoting 43240540760. 
 TVP OXFORD 1) Banbury Road Thames Valley Police is appealing for the public’s help in tracing a man officers would like to speak to in relation to a serious injury collision in Summertown, Oxford. At 8.16am on Monday (4/11), a 17-year-old boy was riding his bicycle on Banbury Road, Summertown, between the junctions of Beechcroft Road and Oakthorpe Road, when he was involved in a collision with a motorcycle. The rider of the motorcycle left the scene and the boy sustained life-threatening injuries. He remains in hospital in a serious, but stable condition. Officers are appealing for the public’s help in tracing Nazim Kacem, who is 29-years-old, as it’s believed he may have vital information relating to the incident. Kacem is from Oxford, but is also known to frequent Bristol and Crouch Hill in London. Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Justin Thomas of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “I am appealing to anybody who knows the whereabouts of Nazim Kacem to please contact Thames Valley Police. “We would like to speak to him as a matter of urgency in relation to this collision. “I would also like to appeal directly to Nazim to please contact us if you see this appeal. “You can get in touch by making a report online or by calling us on 101, quoting reference 43240532710. “Alternatively, if anybody knows of Nazim’s whereabouts, you can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. “This collision has occurred on a busy stretch of the Banbury Road in the morning rush-hour and resulted in the road being closed for much of the day on Monday. “I am reappealing to anybody who witnessed the incident or who may have dash-cam or CCTV footage that has captured the collision, or the moments leading up to it, to please get in touch with Thames Valley Police.” Four people have been arrested in connection with this investigation. A 14-year-old boy has been released without charge, while three others, a 50-year-old man, 41-year-old man and 37-year-old woman, all from Oxford, have been released under investigation.  2) Osler Road Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following an assault in Oxford. The incident occurred between 7pm and 8pm on Sunday (3/11) down Osler Road and onto London Road. A man assaulted a woman and also threw a drink over her. The woman sustained bruising but did not require hospital treatment. A 32-year-old man from Oxford has been arrested on suspicion of common assault, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and intentional strangulation. He has been released on bail. Investigating officer, Detective Constable Claire White, said: “I am appealing for any witnesses to this assault incident to please come forward. “Anyone with information or footage relating to the incident should call 101 or make a report on our website, quoting reference number 43240532320. “Alternatively, for anonymity, you can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via its website.”
3) Abingdon Road We are investigating a rape that happened at around 11.50pm last night near to the Abingdon Road near to Travelodge. At around 11.50pm on Tuesday (5/11) a woman has met with and been speaking with a man near to the Travelodge on Abingdon Road. They have then walked together and he has then led her to a field where he has then sexually assaulted her. The offender is described as a man of black mixed heritage, around 35 to 37 years old, with beard, with dark black hair with a short back and sides. He is thought to have ridden off on a bicycle and may have been carrying a blue/green delivery bag. Patrols have been increased in the area. Info or CCTV or dash cam footage? Please call 101 or provide here: https://orlo.uk/HslSX
NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING TEAMS 1) Survey Have you got 2 minutes to help your local Neighbourhood Policing Team? To assist our NHPT Officers, we have developed a short survey for our local communities to complete which will help us focus our patrols & help plan our community events. Without your information, we may not know about the issue! To complete the survey, you can scan the QR code below or click on this link: https://orlo.uk/4lqnN  2) Oxford Central The Oxford City Central & Outers NHPT have been conducting a number of dedicated patrols over the last week. At the start of the week, they conducted a dedicated Policing operation targeting pick-pockets & bag dippers in the City Centre which included some plain clothed officers! This resulted in a number of people stopped, spoken to and moved on out of the City. As the week progressed, they then moved their patrols focusing onto shoplifting and retail crime in Jericho. As a result of the high visibility patrols, no retail crime during this period was reported. Last night, following a referral, a young male was visited by Officers and a number of knives were surrendered to the Police and have been marked up for destruction! This was only a small insight to what we get up to! Not to mention all the community events, school talks, other dedicated operations & responding to live incidents too!
SCAM AWARENESS 1) Giveaway scams Giveaway competitions on Facebook can be tempting, luring you in with the possibility of a freebie, but be aware that these posts aren't always what they seem. These competitions are run by scammers, who create fake Facebook pages impersonating well-known brands. 'Winners' of the fake giveaways will often be asked to hand over personal data and payment details in order to receive their freebie. Fraudsters can then use these details to scam you.
2) Reporting Scam Adverts Online scam adverts can be reported to the Advertising Standards Authority at www.asa.org.uk/make-a-complaint/report-an-online-scam-ad
3) Scam Marshal Newsletter   4) Text messages
If you are concerned that you or a family member has been a victim of a scam or fraud then please contact 101.
5) Build--up to Christmas In the build up to Christmas, you will likely see an increase in fraud and scam attempts. With Christmas and Black Friday approaching, you may find yourself doing more online shopping than usual. Cyber criminals will use this as an opportunity to defraud people. Please continue to be cautious when coming across website links or QR codes. A lot of these links and codes provide criminals with a way to access your personal information or network. Criminals are continuing to find new ways of defrauding people and in recent years, we have seen an increase in the use of QR codes, including placing fake QR code stickers over the original - for example on a restaurant table or a parking machine.
6) AA scam The AA is warning consumers not to fall foul of a phishing email which claims they have won an emergency car kit. A small number of emails began in September however more fake emails are continuing to be sent currently.
7) Charity fraud Unfortunately, fraudsters may take advantage of our generosity when giving to charity. They may claim to be raising money for a fake charity or impersonate a well-known charity. Most fundraising appeals are genuine, so the risk of fraud should not put you off giving to charities. However, you should be vigilant and make sure you are giving safely to legitimate organisations. The Fundraising Regulator and Charity Commissioner for England and Wales advise you to pause and check before donating. This includes:
An appeal should always be clear on exactly what the money will be used for. When you meet a fundraiser in-person, check their credentials:
When giving online, make sure the charity is genuine before giving any financial information:
After making these checks, if you think that a fundraising appeal is fake, report it to Action Fraud.
CRIME PREVENTION 1) Crimestoppers and Neighbourhood Watch Welcome to Safe Street, the fictional neighbourhood where the only unexpected visitors are of the four-legged variety, and the only devastation taking place is of a sofa cushion by a naughty pooch. We're working with our campaign partners Neighbourhood Watch and Ring to promote home and security safety - visit our website to learn more: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/safestreet
2) ATM withdrawals Thames Valley Police is urging people using cashpoints to be vigilant following a series of thefts targeting customers withdrawing cash. If you are making a withdrawal at an ATM please be conscious of who is around you. If a stranger tries to interfere with the machine or distract your attention while you are using it be firm in asking them to move away. If you see or experience any suspicious incidents please make staff or security at the bank or shop aware immediately and contact Police on 101 or use 999 if you feel it is appropriate. If you have been a victim of such a theft please ensure you contact your bank to cancel your card as soon as possible and contact Police via 101 or the online reporting facility on our website. If the offender is still in the vicinity use 999
3) How safe is your flat? Although there are fewer points of entry to a flat, they need to be as well protected as possible. As for overall building security, all residents need to keep an eye and an ear out as well as making sure that communal front and back doors are never left open.
Protection of a flat begins from the outside. Check that the managing agent or landlord cuts shrubs and planting back regularly so that they don’t obscure anyone from view or interfere with lighting or CCTV. If you notice something’s not working properly or if a light is out, let the managing agent or landlord know so that it can be fixed straight away.
Keep cycle stores, bin stores, sheds and other covered areas locked and secured. These hidden spaces can attract loitering and lead to antisocial behaviour, especially after dark.
For even tighter security on communal entrances in blocks of flats, it’s always a great idea to have personalised security key fobs that can track who is leaving and entering the property. With all multiple occupancy buildings, you never know who’s coming and going. And that’s why it’s advisable to get together and get a key fob for front and rear doors to the building. You can share the expense or, if properties are rented, then approach the landlord, explaining the benefit to them.
Each flat has its own keys plus one or two security key fobs for common entrances – dependent on the number of occupants. If someone loses their fob, they must replace it and get the security system reprogrammed. Do not label keys or fobs with the address. The added benefit, apart from closer scrutiny of visitors to the building, is that there’s no fumbling to get keys in a lock while on the doorstep
Consider where the post boxes are located as these are often targeted by criminals. Ideally, they should be in a secure lobby area and be lockable so that no one can easily fish out mail.
For tips on how to secure the front door of your flat https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/protect-home-crime/door-security-advice/ If you live on the ground floor, ensure that your windows are closed and locked every time you leave your flat. And consider an accredited burglar alarm system. For more on keeping your windows secure, read our detailed https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/protect-home-crime/window-security/
4) Rogue Traders
Please be wary of cold callers offering to undertake work on your property as this work may not be necessary or may not be completed to a satisfactory standard or not completed at all. You may also be overcharged and out of pocket. If seeking a tradesperson to undertake some work on your property, please remember to always:
If you think that you may have been a victim of this or any other type of scam, then contact your Bank immediately, which you can do by calling 159 and report it to Action Fraud at https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ or call 0300 123 2040. You will also find valuable information from the Home Office at https://stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk/
5) Retail crime  CRIME INFORMATION 1) Hollie Guard app This free safety app, turns your smartphone into a personal alarm. At a shake it can notify your emergency contact as well as giving you the option to sound an alarm if needed. Set up by Hollie Gazzard Trust in memory of Hollie Gazzard who was killed by her ex-partner, the app provides extra support for anyone experiencing stalking, or wanting the benefit of extra security on a night out. If you know someone who might find this app useful please let them know. Read more about Hollie Guard here: https://hollieguard.com/
2) Stalking Around one in seven people aged 16 years and over in England and Wales has been a victim of stalking at least once, according to our latest data. Stalking can take many forms and has a devastating and long-lasting impact on people’s lives. The latest data from Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) shows how one in five women and around 1 in 11 men aged 16 years and over has been a victim of stalking. It also shows that younger people were more likely to be stalking victims in the year ending March 2024. In the Crime Survey for England and Wales, we define stalking as two or more incidents causing distress, fear, or alarm, including:
While the CSEW shows stalking trends have been relatively flat in the last decade the number of stalking offences recorded by the police has risen dramatically, reflecting improvements to police recording practices, changes to Home Office counting rules and victims’ willingness to come forward. Despite these rises, the number of police-recorded stalking offences remains well below levels reported in the CSEW, with 129,076 offences recorded in the year ending March 2024, up from 2,885 in the year ending March 2015. While there are slight differences in how the CSEW and the police define stalking which may explain this gap, it is possible that due to the sensitive nature of the crime, victims may not always report it to the police.
3) Crimestoppers You may have noticed CrimeStoppers being sign-posted in messages as a way to report crime. There are many reasons why you may not feel comfortable to report a crime. Whether it’s because you don’t want to talk to police, you want to report someone you know or you’re not sure if the information you provide will help. The CrimeStoppers organisation offers a service where you can speak up and remain 100% anonymous. CrimeStoppers also share advice on how to protect the people you care about from crime, so everyone can feel safe. This service runs via phone and online, 24/7 and 365 days a year. After receiving your call or a completed anonymous online form, CrimeStoppers create a report that brings together all the information you gave them, making sure it doesn't contain any information that could identify you. You can find out more on CrimeStoppers here: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/what-we-do-with-your-information If you want to report a crime via CrimeStoppers you can do so here: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously Or by calling 0800 555 111. Thank you for your help. It is only by the police and the public working together that we can prevent and detect crime.
4) Cuckooing Is cuckooing happening in your street? Cuckooing is where criminals exploit people and use their homes to conduct illegal activities. Learn to spot the signs https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/county-lines/spotting-the-signs Report cuckooing to 101 or anonymously to Crimestoppers 0800 555 111
5) Shop theft Unacceptable levels of shop theft causing serious harm to society The Justice and Home Affairs Committee published a letter (5/11) to the Minister for Policing, Crime and Fire Prevention, Dame Diana Johnson MP, after conducting an inquiry into shop theft.
6) You Have a Voice Campaign The Independent Office for Police Conduct has launched a campaign to remind women and girls about their right to complain if they have ever been made to feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or dismissed by the police.
Examples of what women and girls can complain about include; you reported something to the police and you were unhappy with what they did or didn’t do, your partner, ex-partner, or family member works or worked for the police and they were abusive to you, you were in contact with the police and they did something inappropriate, like adding you on social media, calling or texting you, visiting you, giving gifts, flirting, touching you, or being sexual.
Run by Crimestoppers, The Police Anti-Corruption and Abuse Reporting Service gives people a way to report information about a police officer, member of police staff or police volunteer who they believe are taking advantage of their role or abusing their position of power.
7) UK Safer Internet Centre’s Sextortion Report https://saferinternet.org.uk/blog/uk-safer-internet-centre-publishes-sextortion-report
The Sextortion Report reveals that the majority of sextortion victims contacting the helpline were young men, with 85% of victims identifying as male and 64% aged 18–34. Perpetrators were found to typically initiate contact on social media and dating platforms, before jumping between platforms after initial contact, with the majority of content (92%) being shared on social media platforms. The report highlights that this “cross-platform behaviour” exploits the specific functions of each platform, as offenders jump between services to avoid detection and intimidate victims.
OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL Get help to stop smoking. It’s well worth it! After 28 days smoke-free, you’re five times more likely to quit for good. It’s not easy. It can feel overwhelming but small steps can make all the difference. Some of the best incentives to make a change to our health is when we see progress – and see it happen quickly. And when we stop smoking, there are benefits almost immediately. There are so many reasons to stop. And we are here to help you. stopforlifeoxon.org/well-worth-it   2) Pilot bus travel scheme to help asylum seekers Oxfordshire County Council is to partner with Asylum Welcome and the bus companies in Oxford to instigate a six-month pilot scheme to enable free bus travel for asylum seekers accommodated within the city of Oxford. Asylum seekers staying in a hotel are entitled to less than £9 per week, which severely limits their ability to access services and learn about the British way of life. The scheme will enable asylum seekers to attend medical appointments, pick up medicines more quickly and build confidence through being able to use the transport system. It will also assist them in getting a job once they are allowed to work which can take many months, if not years.
3) Targeted Youth Support Service The Targeted Youth Support Service (TYSS) works with young people in Oxfordshire at times of difficulty to help them develop healthy relationships, build life skills and reach their potential. If you know a young person who is feeling isolated, or struggling with emotions and friendships, TYSS can help. Find out more about the service at https://oxme.info/tyss
4) Primary school applications for September 2025 If you are a parent or carer of a child born between 1 September 2020 and 31 August 2021 you can now apply for their primary school place for September 2025. Please complete your application online by 15 January 2025. Further details and a link for you here:
OXFORD CITY COUNCIL 1) Remembrance Sunday 10 November, 10.45am, the War Memorial in St Giles' The Lord Mayor of Oxford, Councillor Mike Rowley, in partnership with the Oxford City branch of the Royal British Legion, is set to host a Remembrance Sunday service at the War Memorial in St Giles’ today The service will start at 10.45am. with a two-minute silence at 11am. Road closures and parking suspension will be in place from 12.01am to 2pm today as follows:
Order of Service can be seen at: https://www.oxford.gov.uk/news/article/1576/oxford-set-to-mark-remembrance-sunday-and-armistice-day
2) Armistice Day Monday 11 November, 10.55am, Oxford Town Hall There will be a service marking Armistice Day on Monday 11 November, starting at 10.55am, on the landing area at the top of the stairs in Oxford Town Hall. The service will be led by the Lord Mayor and all are welcome to attend. There will be a two-minute silence at 11am.
3) Consultation Littlemore Neighbourhood Plan Regulation 16 Consultation We have opened consultation on proposals for a neighbourhood plan submitted by Littlemore Neighbourhood Forum. A six-week consultation is now open and will close at 23:59 on Monday 9 December.
4) Christmas Lights (15-17 November)
The full programme for the Christmas Light Festival has been announced, promising exciting and unusual events and activities for Oxford residents of all generations. From 15-17 November 2024, attractions like the Victorian Christmas Market in Broad Street, lantern parades around Rose Hill and West Oxford will go alongside community collaborations with artists around the city to highlight the diversity, creativity and imagination being shared over the festival weekend. This year’s event features a range of activities to take part in including: Breakfast with Santa at the Covered Market Winter Lights Family Event and Oxford Lights Crafternoon with Bodleian Libraries. Of course, Oxford’s Christmas Light Festival would not be complete without lantern parades which are taking place in the city centre with Diwali Glow at OVADA, in Rose Hill with Creative Lights Forest Festival from Film Oxford, Rose Hill Junior Youth Club and the Rose Hill and Iffley Low Carbon Group, and the West Oxford Light Festival with the West Oxford Pantomime Association.
5) Free Health Promotion event Friday 15 November 10am – 12pm Bullingdon Community Centre, 61 Peat Moors, Headington Access free blood pressure and health checks at our Health Promotion Event. Free gentle movement and fitness classes will also be on offer, as well as inclusive dance and chair yoga taster sessions. The event will be joined by many health professionals, and organisations who deliver services to support health – each dedicated to supporting you to take the next step in bettering your health and well-being. offering information and guidance on various health-related topics. 
OXFORD DIRECT SERVICES 1) Cooking oil disposal The advice is that the cooking oil is contained within a sealed plastic bottle and put into the food caddy, however we are aware that there may be times when this isn't possible, and it will be collected next to the caddy.
GENERAL INFORMATION 1) Bus service updates
7th - 13th Nov 2024
Due to roadworks on Garsington Road, from 07/11 to 12/11, every night between 19:30 and 06:00. Our 3A and 46 services will be diverting via Hollow Way and the Eastern Bypass, passengers are advised to use the Original Swan stops during this time.
10th Nov. 2024
10th Nov. 2024
*St Giles will be closed from first Bus to approximately 14:00 The closure will affect the 2, 2A, S4, S5 & S7 services using Banbury Road towards the City Centre. These services will divert from the Bevington Road bus stop to Broad Street via Parks Road. Service will temporarily terminate at Trinity College in Broad Street instead of Magdalen Street West. The S2 to Cheltenham will also stop here and pick up passengers. The 14 Service will continue via George Street to Oxford Rail Station. The S1, S2 & S3 services will divert via Woodstock Road to Banbury Road via Rawlinson Road inbound & Canterbury Road outbound and will continue towards their end destination via Parks Road, Broad Street & George Street. These services will use their normal bus stops to terminate and begin in the usual places. Please note we will be unable to service the following bus stops: St Margarets Road West, Keble Road, Canterbury Road, Plantation Road, and Radcliffe Observatory Quarter towards the City Centre, and Keble Road, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter & Plantation Road from the City Centre.
This Remembrance Day, we're offering FREE bus travel for all military, ex-military and cadets. Simply show your medals, veteran's badge, uniform or military ID on one of our buses on Sunday 10th or Monday 11th November. It's our way of saying thank you for your service! 
Special timetables will operate over the festive period between 24th December 2024 and 2nd January 2025. Further information at https://www.oxfordbus.co.uk/festive-bus-coach-services-20242025 
2) Pension Credit Do you know someone of State Pension Age (66+) on a low income who would welcome extra money and support with heating costs, including the Winter Fuel Payment*? This could be your parents, grandparents, friend or neighbour. Pension Credit is worth, on average, £3,900 per year and unlocks additional support including help with Council tax, NHS dental care and for those over 75, a free TV licence. Thanks to the Pension Credit backdating rules, it is possible to apply for Pension Credit and have the claim backdated by up to 3 months - so long as there is entitlement during that time. This means that the latest date to apply and still qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment is 21st December 2024. 
3) Advice for cyclists Safe and responsible cycling involves thinking about and doing several things
Be prepared
4) Railway Guardian The Railway Guardian app is an all-in-one safety app from the British Transport Police. The app allows you to report crimes or concerns on the rail network, share your journeys with trusted contacts, and get access to news, guides and support. It allows passengers to contact the British Transport Police discreetly in situations where the perpetrator may still be present and making a 999 call might escalate the situation.
5) Oxford Christmas Lunch - volunteers needed I’m pleased to say the Oxford Christmas Lunch will be happening again this year. On Christmas Day, we provide a free sit-down meal for anyone in Oxfordshire who wants to come. Our guests include refugees, the elderly, the homeless, those with mental health issues, those in food poverty and those who simply want to celebrate Christmas with others. A special feature of our lunch is that volunteers collect the guests, drive them, eat with them and take them home, providing companionship as well as food. We also welcome families.
Most years we have around 500 diners. (In 2020 we delivered a festive meal to over 650 – but please note, we are NOT providing delivery as an option this year – we’re back at the King’s Centre in Osney Mead, Oxford.) Numbers are limited, so we’ll take bookings on a first-come first-served basis. The main limiting factor is the number of volunteer drivers – if people in your organisation can transport guests, and potentially host them on a table too, that will allow us to take more. We always need more minibuses and CPC-licenced drivers. To book a place for someone you think would benefit from it, email me at sara@oxfordchristmaslunch.org Please do pass this on to any organisations or individuals you think may be interested, anywhere in Oxfordshire. Best wishes, Sara Strong 
6) Food Alerts Co-op recalls Co-op Irresistible Luxury Lasagne Al Forno because it may contain mustard and sulphites which are not declared on the label. This means the product is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to mustard and/or a sensitivity to sulphur dioxide and/or sulphites.
Pack size 700g Use by Use by
Several brands are taking the precautionary step of recalling several spice products that contain mustard. They may contain peanuts which are not mentioned on the label. This means the products are a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to peanuts. Update 12 - https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/alert/fsa-aa-42-2024-update-12
The Happy Pear is recalling various products because they may contain animal matter. The possible presence of animal matter may make this product unsafe to consume.  7) Product Recalls
Hazard: The product presents a serious chemical risk as the snorkel mouthpiece contains bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) at a level which exceeds the maximum permitted level.
Hazard: The product presents a risk of fire as the lithium cells may overheat.
Hazard: The product presents a risk of fire as the battery management system may become overloaded under fault conditions.
8) Bill to ban police cell mental health detentions Police will no longer be able to hold people who are being detained for mental-health reasons in police cells, under government plans for England and Wales. Officers can currently use cells as a "place of safety" for up to 24 hours to allow those needing immediate care to be assessed by a doctor. New legislation will also introduce additional rights for those receiving treatment, in a bid to modernise decades-old mental health laws. Charities have broadly welcomed the changes, whilst highlighting the need for better funding for mental health. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c78d02zm3yno
9) Pharmacy Services https://staywell-bob.nhs.uk/pharmacy-services/  Key services: Your community pharmacy team can give you expert clinical advice for minor health concerns and help with many common illnesses like sore throats, coughs, colds, tummy troubles and aches and pain. Most local pharmacies have private consultation rooms so you can talk confidentially. There are 251 pharmacies across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Berkshire West that provide a range of services. Find your nearest pharmacy here: Find a pharmacy 10) Hourglass - Safer Ageing
Established in 2020, Safer Ageing Week is the annual flagship campaign of Hourglass, the only UK-wide charity dedicated to calling time on the abuse, harm and exploitation of older people. Safer Ageing Week aims to raise awareness of the abuse of older people, a topic that is severely underdiscussed and remains under the radar for the majority of people. We’re calling on everyone to join us in raising awareness of economic abuse. Over £23.5 million was stolen or defrauded from older people last year, with the average value stolen reaching as much as £87,000. The majority of these cases were committed by family members and close friends. Those victim-survivors trust the most. The economic abuse of older people is a hidden epidemic and with a rapidly ageing population, this is only set to get worse. This year’s theme is TAKE NOTE and is focused on the economic abuse of older people. The economic abuse of older people is a hidden epidemic with millions stolen or defrauded from older people each and every year. With a rapidly ageing population meaning that we will have a further 9.6 million older in the UK by 2050, this hidden epidemic is only set to get worse. It’s time to TAKE NOTE. 
11) World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4niP9GeHsA 
12) Hot water bottle safety
Hot water bottles can cause serious burns if not used safely, and can degrade over time. People with older hot water bottles at home are being urged to check the number in the middle of the flower symbol indicating the year of manufacture, and may wish to consider replacing them with newer ones. The advice is to replace your hot water bottles two to three years after first use. Freshly boiled water should never be used to fill a hot water bottle. It is advisable to allow boiled water to cool for a few minutes before adding, or to add a mix of cold and hot water to the bottle. Boiling water can damage the seams of hot water bottles, weakening them over time. Hot water bottles should only be filled to two thirds of their capacity, and any air at the top should be squeezed out so that the hot water bottle has room to expand when using. This reduces the risk of the bottle splitting when in use. Hot water bottles should always be used with a cover and never be placed directly on the skin. They should also never be sat on or laid on. These precautions can help to reduce the risk of burns when in use. It is also advised not use hot water bottles in baby’s beds or cots, as doing so can cause young children to overheat. In an emergency, be sure to follow NHS advice for scalds and burns
13) Network Rail
Our recent trial hole investigations successfully identified a suitable location to the west of Botley Road bridge, to connect up our new water main. Following a short period of planning and design work, Thames Water are now gearing up to press ahead, aiming to get as much completed as possible before Christmas. This first full phase of work starts just after midnight on Monday 18 November and runs until Friday 20 December. After a two-week break, work will resume and is anticipated to continue into next year. How this impacts residents: There will be a few different phases and we’ll update you as we go through. From midnight (00.01am) on Monday 18 November until 6pm on Friday 20 December, there will be two different sequences of traffic management in operation during this time: 1. From 18 November until 30 November, access to the bus turning area at the end of Cripley Road will be closed, with vehicles being diverted via Abbey Road. Mill Street will be open as usual, but access managed by traffic lights. 2. From 1 December until 20 December, Botley Road will be closed between Mill Street and Abbey Road. Buses and traffic for Mill Street will be diverted via Abbey Road. Please note the switchover dates of these sequences may be subject to change, but we’re committed to clearing the road on 20 December, prior to starting the next phase on 6 January, to allow residents to park outside their houses over the festive period. On these dates, no parking will be permitted in this area and there will be enforcement action in operation, with any parked vehicles being removed. Anyone with a resident parking permit is able to park in other streets within the wider West Oxford CPZ. More information is available on Oxfordshire County Council website. Again, we recognise that resident parking is constrained in the area and thank you for your patience. We have identified some alternative parking arrangements for those resident permit holders directly impacted on Abbey Road, Cripley Place and Cripley Road. If you need assistance with arranging alternative parking, please contact oxfordphase2@networkrail.co.uk
Work to reinstate the footpath that joins Botley Road to Frideswide Square, crossing Becket Street, will take place next week, improving pedestrian access to the local shops and businesses in that area. 
Trench excavation has been completed at the station ramp for the water supply and the duct has now been installed meaning water testing and chlorination can take place over the coming week. Permanent tarmac for the road crossing will be installed from Friday of next week. We aim to be finished in this area by early morning next Saturday (16 November), when the associated traffic management barriers will be removed.
Due to road works affecting access to the station entrance, in exceptional circumstances, and during dedicated times, GWR are providing passenger assistance from the west side of the station. This is reachable via a signposted vehicular drop off/pick up point on Roger Dudman Way.
We're working with the Department for Transport, Oxford City Council, Oxfordshire County Council and local landowners, to review ways to bring passenger services back to the Cowley Branch Line in Oxford. If funded, the line would be upgraded and two new stations built. Current plans are for a service comprising two trains per hour via Oxford Station through to London Marylebone Station. Oxford City Council has produced a new video, providing a fantastic summary of the project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-MgSrLW9Vw Find out more: https://www.oxford.gov.uk/building-projects/reopening-cowley-branch-line-passengers
14) List of recipients of the Elizabeth Emblem 2024 The Elizabeth Emblem commemorates public service workers who lost their lives while on duty, serving as a lasting memory of their bravery.
I hope you have an enjoyable week ahead. Keep safe, Maggie
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