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Oxford Community Information Weekly Newsletter 22-12-24 Newsletter and information collated and edited by Maggie Lewis Volunteer Area Representative and Administrator for Oxford Neighbourhood Watch 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 (Oxford NW) https://www.facebook.com/groups/605172170528080 (Oxford NW Coordinators) https://www.facebook.com/groups/851711156124037 (Thames Valley appeals) https://www.facebook.com/groups/1120468772825909 (Missing people in England and Wales) https://www.facebook.com/groups/550195784274126 (WANTED - Police appeals across England and Wales)
CONTENTS OXFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH 1) Car and home insurance POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER 1) Policing budget survey 2025/6 2) PCC responds to Police Funding statement 3) This Week TVP ROAD POLICING 1) Appeal THAMES VALLEY POLICE 1) Sentenced 2) Ask for Angela TVP SOUTH OXON AND VALE OF WHITE HORSE 1) Garsington - murder TVP OXFORD 1) Hythe Bridge Street - sexual assault 2) Missing persons update 3) Witness Appeal 4) Missing person 5) Wanted man - Summertown collision 6) Wanted man - prison recall 7) Crime prevention advice in Central Oxford NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING TEAMS 1) Cowley SCAM AWARENESS 1) Deliveries 2) Cadbury Christmas Giveaway Scam 3) Lidl 4) What are the 12 frauds of Christmas? 5) Sextortion 6) Scam Alert 7) London's New Year's Eve 2024 CRIME PREVENTION 1) Donating to charity 2) Vandalism 3) Secure Your Home 4) Enjoy your festive time safely 5) Advice on security at Christmas CRIME INFORMATION 1) Fireworks 2) Victims First 3) ESRC Vulnerability & Policing Futures Research Centre 4) Victim Survey 5) Do you know how to report a crime anonymously? OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL 1) Winter Mini Challenge 2) Trading Standards 3) Home Library Service 4) Surveys OXFORD CITY COUNCIL 1) Anti-social Behaviour 2) A new online tenancy portal for council tenants 3) The problem of short lets 4) Warm spaces and activities in the cost-of-living crisis 5) Devolution plans 6) Help the Homeless OXFORD DIRECT SERVICES 1) Collection of Christmas trees 2) Christmas Collection Day Changes 3) Christmas Day for ODS MUSEUM OF OXFORD 1) Programme January to March 2025 GENERAL INFORMATION 1) Pharmacy Hours Christmas and New Year 2024/5 2) A new online tenancy portal for council tenants 3) Resources at Christmas 4) Hybrid working 5) Healthy Start scheme 6) Black mould and condensation 7) Road safety 8) Give the gift of safety 9) Bus service updates 10) Product recalls 11) UK Government Local public service announcement - potholes
OXFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
1) Car and home insurance Ask for Michael Foord, divisional manager - and negotiate! You can usually get lower rates. 
POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER 1) Policing budget survey 2025/6 Matthew Barber, Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, is asking residents to share their views on the 2025/26 policing budget. Your feedback will help decide where resources are focused to make our communities safer. The increase in last year’s council tax supported initiatives including: Recruited an additional 150 police officers across the force, including neighbourhood and Rural Crime Taskforce officers Implemented a Thames Valley-wide programme to help tackle knife crime Investment to help tackle retail crime through the PCC’s Retail Crime Strategy Prevention of reoffending through the Restart programme Take the short survey: https://www.thamesvalley-pcc.gov.uk/get-involved/survey/ Deadline for views: Friday 3 January 2025 at 12pm (noon). Your voice matters! Help shape the future of policing in Thames Valley and ensure local priorities are heard.
2) PCC responds to Police Funding statement https://www.thamesvalley-pcc.gov.uk/news/pcc-matthew-barber-responds-to-police-funding-settlement/
3) This Week 
TVP ROAD POLICING 1) Appeal We implore everyone to please watch this video. This is the devastation caused by drink/drug driving. Sadly, we need to keep writing this message; Just don't drink / drug drive - for your own life, other lives that you will put at risk, and the loved ones that have to grieve. Warning- upsetting content https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtqdCKW0GiQ&t=9s
THAMES VALLEY POLICE 
1) Sentenced Thomas Johnson, aged 19, has today been sentenced to nine years and four months imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving of Elliot Pullen, 17, Daniel Hancock, 18 and Ethan Goddard, 18. Thomas drove at speeds approaching 100mph in the village of Marcham, while under the influence of nitrous oxide. He had also switched off traction control of his BMW 3 Series. Senior Investigating Officer Detective Sergeant Tony Jenkins of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “This was without a doubt one of the most catastrophic and tragic collisions I have ever investigated. “The speeds at which Johnson was driving were staggering, particularly given the road he was driving on. “Our case was that Johnson had been using nitrous oxide during the evening, and it is apparent from the evidence, that if he was doing this just prior to the collision, as our evidence suggests, he would have been significantly and severely impaired, similar to the impairment you would have if under the influence of alcohol. “However, there was no evidence that Johnson was intoxicated by any other substance. “Ethan, Elliot and Daniel stood no chance. They were simply enjoying a night out, and their lives were needlessly and tragically cut short by Johnson’s actions. “Johnson alone was responsible for these tragic deaths. He will have to live with the consequences of his decisions that night for the rest of his life. “He did not set out that night to harm anyone, that was never our case. But his decisions did directly and tragically result in the deaths of Ethan, Elliot and Daniel.
2) Ask for Angela https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twKyXngNAA8 If you feel unsafe while out and about or in a pub or club, you can ask the bar staff for help! If at risk of harm always call 999 
TVP SOUTH OXON AND VALE OF WHITE HORSE 1) Man charged in connection with murder investigation – Garsington Following a Thames Valley Police Major Crime Unit murder investigation, a man has been charged with murder and ABH. Daniel Gonzalez, aged 40, from Oxford Road, Garsington, was charged today (18/12) with one count each of murder and assault occasioning actual bodily harm on a police officer. The charges are in relation to an incident that occurred in Garsington on Sunday (15/12) on Oxford Road, in which a man in his seventies sadly died. Formal identification is yet to take place. We continue to support the family at this difficult time, and our thoughts are with them. The family would ask for their privacy to be respected at this time.
TVP OXFORD 1) Hythe Bridge Street - sexual assault Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following a sexual assault in Oxford. Between 4.55pm and 6.30pm on Saturday 9 November at the canal tow path off Hythe Bridge Street, the victim, a girl aged in her teens, has been touched inappropriately by the offender. A 47-year-old man from Oxford was arrested on Tuesday (10/12) on suspicion of sexual assault, and has been released on police bail until February 2025. Investigating officer PC Joshua Taylor, from Cowley police station, said: “This was a concerning incident and we are carrying out an investigation. “We are asking anyone with information to please come forward. We would also ask members of the public who live in the area to check their CCTV/doorbell footage to see if it shows anything that may assist our investigation. “Additionally if anyone was driving in that area and has a dash cam, we would ask them to check their footage and get in touch if it shows anything that could aid our investigation. “We would ask anyone with information to please call 101 quoting reference 43240544439, or you can provide your information through our online form.” Alternatively, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via its website.”
2) Missing persons update
Mason has been reported missing from Oxfordshire and has links to Banbury and Bicester. Mason was last seen on 15/12 and we are concerned for him. If you have seen Mason or have any relevant information that could help with locating him, please call us on 101, quote reference number 43240606845.  MISSING PERSON APPEAL - report 3rd December Have you seen Mia? Mia has been reported missing to us from the Oxfordshire area and we are concerned for her wellbeing. If you have any relevant information, or have seen Mia, please call us on 101, referencing 43240549440.  3) Witness Appeal Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following a serious injury collision that happened in Oxford. At around 12.13pm on Tuesday (17/12) a collision occurred at the traffic light junction of the A44 Woodstock Road and Peartree Park and Ride between a white Volvo HGV carrying a cherry-picker and a black Nissan Micra. The driver of the Nissan Micra, a man aged in his seventies, sustained minor injuries, and the passenger, a woman aged in her eighties, sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital where she remains. Investigating officer PC Jon Simpkins of the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit, said: “I am appealing for witnesses to this incident whereby a passenger has sustained serious injuries after this collision. “I would ask that anyone who was in the area where this collision took place, to please get in touch with us if you saw anything or have any information. “Also, if any motorists in the area have dash-cam footage, I would ask them to please check as to whether anything significant was caught, as it could help our investigation. “You can provide information by calling 101 and quoting reference 43240609515 or by using our online reporting form."
4) Missing person SHARING ON BEHALF OF NOTTINGHAMSHIRE POLICE (from TVP Oxford social media) Missing - Have you seen missing Kyle? We are concerned for his safety and urgently want to hear from anyone who has seen him. Kyle was last seen in the St Anns area at 18:45 on Friday the 13th of December 2024. Kyle has links to Aylesbury, Slough and Banbury. Kyle is described as being 5ft10, slim build with afro style hair and was last seen wearing a black jacket and hoodie, black joggers and black trainers – possibly Jordans. If you have seen Kyle or have any information about his whereabouts, please contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 813 of the 13th of December 2024.  5) Wanted man Police have renewed an appeal for a wanted man who is believed to have vital information relating to a serious crash last month. A 17-year-old boy was riding his bicycle on Banbury Road between the junctions of Beechcroft Road and Oakthorpe Road, when he was involved in a collision with a motorcycle at 8.16am on November 4. The rider of the motorcycle allegedly left the scene and the boy suffered life-threatening injuries. He was taken to hospital, where he remained for more than a week, but has since been released. On December 20, a spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: The investigation is still very much ongoing – and our wanted appeal for Nazim Kacem is still active. "We would again ask anybody who knows of his whereabouts to contact Thames Valley Police." Police say Kacem is from Oxford, but is also known to frequent Bristol and Crouch Hill in London. A spokesperson previously said: "You can get in touch by making a report online or by calling us on 101, quoting the reference 43240532710. “Alternatively, if anybody knows of Nazim’s whereabouts, you can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."  6) Wanted man - recall to custody Police have warned the public not to approach a wanted man amid a manhunt in Oxfordshire. Cameron Evans is wanted following breaching his licence by failing to attend appointments and removing his GPS tag. His licence was revoked and he has been recalled to custody. The 32-year-old is a white man, at around 5ft 5ins tall, of slim build. He has blue eyes and has shaved brown hair and is known to frequent Abingdon and Drayton. Thames Valley Police investigating officer Detective Constable Michael Hopcroft said: “We released an appeal to locate Cameron Evans on 2 December, but we have still not been able to locate him.  7) Crime prevention in Central Oxford Are you out shopping for loved ones this weekend? Recently there has been a spike in offences in Oxford City Centre where phones and wallets have been stolen. Here are some tips to avoid your valuables not being stolen:
Offences have been committed by using a distraction and people have let their guards down. You will see a heightened Police presence in the City Centre this weekend. Come and say hello to us if you see us around.
NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING TEAMS 1) Cowley We are appealing for information following several recent reports of Anti-Social Behaviour on Crescent Road, Oxford. Investigating officer, Police Constable Greg Pankhurst, based at Cowley Police Station, said; “We would like to speak to anyone who has information, CCTV or door cam footage within the area regarding this to please come forward." “If you have any information around this incident, please contact greg.pankhurst@thamesvalley.police.uk" “If you do not want to talk to the police, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”
SCAMS AWARENESS 1) Deliveries Please do not use any links in the images posted in scam awareness as they are scams. 
A Scam Marshal is any resident in the UK who has been targeted by a scam and now wants to fight back and take a stand against scams. Scam Marshals do this by sharing their own experiences, helping others to report and recognise scams and sending any scam mail that they receive to the NTS Scams Team so that it can be utilised as evidence in future investigative and enforcement work.
Criminals send fake text messages in the hope you are waiting for a parcel to arrive. They want you to click on links which could download malware to your device and steal your information. Instead of clicking the link, log into your account directly to update or check your delivery. If you receive a scam text message report it by forwarding it to 7726. 
As there are increased deliveries at Xmas there may be an increase in reports of parcel thefts from peoples’ doorsteps and communal areas within blocks of flats. Most delivery services will allow you to track your items as well as leave instructions for the driver to leave it in a more safe and secure location, a trusted neighbour or a location that could not be seen by opportunist thieves. If none of these are a viable option, try redirecting your parcels to a nearby shop or secure locker for later pick up.
2) Cadbury Christmas Giveaway Scam 
Scam WhatsApp and Facebook messages have been reported which offer the chance to win a selection of Cadburys festive chocolate. The messages ask you to click a link and take part in a short quiz to be in with a chance of winning one of 2,000 'Christmas Chocolate Magic Baskets'. The link leads to a scam website using Cadbury branding, where you are told you have won a prize and asked to enter personal details. You are also told to share the competition link with at least 20 contacts on WhatsApp before you receive your prize. A similar scam was reported last Easter, with a basket of Cadbury eggs being offered as a prize. Cadburys has confirmed that this is not a genuine competition being run by them. How to Avoid
Contact your bank immediately if you think you may have made a payment to a scammer or if you are worried that a fraudulent transaction has been made from your account.
3) Lidl Beware of Lidl ‘mystery box’ on social media  Scammers are exploiting the hype around this offer by advertising fake mystery boxes on social media, claiming mystery boxes are available again and sharing a dodgy link. The link takes you to a fake Lidl-branded website designed to look like you’re ordering mystery boxes – but your card details are then used to set up continuous payments. The websites claim to have very limited numbers of boxes left, encouraging people to make orders quickly. The promised mystery boxes never arrived, and sometime later they realised money was being taken from their bank accounts.
4) What are the 12 frauds of Christmas? Phishing Pet Fraud Online shopping fraud Social media email account hacking Courier fraud Romance fraud Gift card fraud Charity fraud Investment fraud QR code fraud Holiday fraud Ticket fraud Protect your online accounts:
Be wary of unsolicited emails, texts, QR codes or contact on social media: from seeing unbelievably good deals on tickets or holidays, to seeing a suspiciously cheap prices on items advertised, always double check the authenticity of what you are going to buy online before making a purchase or paying upfront fees. Last festive season, over £764,000 was lost to QR fraud. Remember, stop and think before clicking a link or scanning a QR code. Stay safe this Christmas—pause before you scan or click.  Report suspicious emails by forwarding them to: report@phishing.gov.uk Report suspicious text messages or spam call free of charge to 7726.
5) Sextortion As Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology develops, it’s important to consider how criminals may also be using this in a harmful or malicious way, and to remember the importance of reporting it. ‘Sextortion’, a form of blackmail, occurs when someone threatens to share a nude or sexual image or video of you. Criminals can also now use AI to create convincing fake images or videos, making this form of extortion even more dangerous. These images and videos can also be known as ‘deepfakes’, where a person’s virtual likeness is manipulated into creating fake content of them saying or doing things. Anyone can be a victim of sextortion. However, young people aged between 15 to 17, and adults aged under 30 are often most at risk. In some cases, criminals claim they have obtained real images through hacking or gaining access to social media account. Whether real or AI-generated, these threats are serious, and it's essential to take steps to protect yourself. 1. Make sure your social media privacy settings, and those of your children, are locked down so you’re only sharing information with people you know and trust. 2. Be wary of sharing any private information or images, especially with people you’ve only spoken to online. 3. Use unique passwords and two step verification on all your accounts and never click links on emails and messages that ask you to submit information like your passwords or personal details.
6) Scam Alert
These messages are not genuine and if you click the link you risk losing personal information or giving a stranger access to your bank account! Please follow this advice to stay safe!
7) London's New Year's Eve 2024 Tickets for the New Year’s Eve Fireworks display are now sold out. Be cautious of people claiming to offer tickets, both online and offline.
CRIME PREVENTION 1) Donating to charity The festive period is traditionally a time when charities seek donations. Most collections and appeals are legitimate but be aware fraudsters are looking to exploit our charitable nature and steal donations. One of the most common ways of doing this is online. Tips to protect yourself. Visit the charity's website by typing the address into your browser rather than clicking on a hyperlink embedded in an email. Before you donate, check the website you are on is secure. The web address should begin with https:// (the ‘s’ stands for secure) and look for the padlock symbol. Do not respond to requests to donate through a money transfer company such as Western Union or MoneyGram. If you are still worried, a legitimate charity will advise you on other ways to give on their website or via a phone call.
2) Vandalism Vandalism is where property is maliciously destroyed or damaged - frequently without theft being involved. Safeguard your property with the advice below.
It might feel like your house is more secure behind a high wall or fence but the fact it can’t be seen from the street could make it a more tempting target. Make sure your property can be easily seen by your neighbours and the public by ensuring hedges, fences and walls at the front are no higher than one metre. That way, you’re not giving an intruder anywhere to hide. Clever use of lighting can also help to keep burglars at bay. Recommended lighting - Dusk-till-dawn, low-level white lighting, especially in vulnerable, low visibility areas such as the side or the rear of the property. Lights should be a minimum of three metres above ground with vandal-resistant casings.
By doing this, you’re laying out your patch, marking your territory – and anyone crossing that line uninvited or unauthorised is trespassing. You can do this in a number of ways, such as a low fence, wall, hedge, flower bed or small bushes. Best to avoid a rockery or large stones as they can be used by vandals. And if you’re having your driveway done, make it a different colour to that of the road.
Be sure to safeguard vulnerable points such as ground floor windows with one-metre high sharp, prickly bushes. Nature’s barbed wire, can offer protection and look good too. Security film – a clear or opaque covering that can be stuck onto windows – makes it harder to smash the glass. White walls attract vandals with spray cans but anti-graffiti coatings that prevent paint from bonding to surfaces are great deterrents.
There’s more to security than keeping gates closed and doors, windows and sheds locked. First off, if you have a surface which anyone can sit on – like a ledge or a low wall – make sure it’s not ‘bottom-friendly’. For example, planters with prickly plants look nice but are a pain for anyone just hanging around or any uninvited guests. Also, secure the side and rear boundary of your property with a two-metre-high fence topped with a trellis, which is lightweight and unable to support a person. What’s more, it makes an awful racket if anyone tries to use it to gain access.
It’s a fact that rubbish attracts rubbish. If a property is messy, some people won’t think twice about adding to it or simply hanging around in the area. A neat and tidy property conveys a sense of order. Advice - not to leave rubbish, ladders, wheelie bins or anything else that could be used for burglary or vandalism lying around.
For more advice and up-to-the-minute information about the latest crime prevention products, visit https://www.securedbydesign.com/ https://www.securedbydesign.com/– an official police security initiative.
3) Secure Your Home Improving your home security is the best way to reduce the risk of becoming a victim. Spending money on security is a good investment and will help to deter burglars from targeting your home.
Many burglars will avoid breaking into a property that has an alarm. There are many alarm systems on the market ranging in price.
Home CCTV is becoming more affordable and you can buy indoor and outdoor cameras that connect to an app on your smart phone. CCTV will not prevent your home being burgled on its own and should be used in addition to other deterrents.
The most appropriate form of lighting to use is high-efficiency, low-energy lighting controlled by a dusk-to-dawn switch, so the light only comes on when it's dark. Lights with movement sensors can be beneficial.
4) Enjoy your festive time safely 
5) Advice on security at Christmas With Christmas Day just around the corner and the festive season which will bring much joy and celebration, it also marks a peak time for burglaries. Unfortunately, thieves see Christmas differently as your hard-earned gifts are also their increased incentive to commit burglaries! Dispose of gift packaging carefully. Refuse collections over the Christmas and New Year period are normally at different times. If you can't take packaging to a recycling centre, make sure you only put your rubbish out just before the collection and do your best to break apart/fold boxes inside-out so that they do not advertise the new contents of your home to thieves!
According to one recent study, social media is a commonly used tool for scouting potential targets. Social media savvy families have a tendency to publish their whereabouts during the holiday season, including any vacation plans. This can let burglars know when your house is going to be empty. Uploaded photos of pricey Christmas gifts can also be a problem as if privacy settings aren't tied down, it can allow burglars to go shopping just by viewing your Facebook profile.
If you're going away at Christmas, be sure to cancel newspaper or milk subscriptions. Arrange for a neighbour to park on the driveway to help create the impression someone is home. Don't leave overly descriptive telephone answering machine messages and again make use of light timers.
Burglars know to look for hidden door keys so don't hide spare keys under rocks, in flowerpots, or above door ledges. Instead give the spare key to family or trusted neighbour. 
CRIME INFORMATION 1) Fireworks Christmas and New Years can be a joyous time! However, to make sure that this does not become antisocial behaviour. You cannot buy ‘adult’ fireworks if you’re under 18, and it’s against the law for anyone to set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except on certain occasions. For further information, please click the link - https://www.gov.uk/fireworks-the-law
2) Victims First Our usual opening hours are: Monday and Wednesday - 9am to 5pm Tuesday and Thursday - 9am to 7pm Friday - 9am to 4.30pm 
3) ESRC Vulnerability & Policing Futures Research Centre A new report coordinated by researchers from the ESRC Vulnerability & Policing Futures Research Centre and published today (Friday 29 November) puts forward an evidence-based plan to provide targeted action to divert vulnerable young people away from criminal exploitation and harm.
4) Victim Survey 15 minutes of your time today could help victims tomorrow. Have you been a victim of crime, or reported a crime in the last three years? The Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales would like to hear from you. The Victims’ Commissioner has launched their annual Victim Survey, to gather insights into victims’ experiences with the criminal justice system and support services. Responses will help shape recommendations to improve support, and deliver better justice outcomes for victims in the future. Take the annual victims’ survey here: https://eu.research.net/r/OVC24 https://www.cvocni.org/victim-survey It will remain open until 23 December 2024.
5) Do you know how to report a crime anonymously? If you have information about a crime but don’t want to reveal your identity, you can tell the independent charity CrimeStoppers what you know, by phone and online, and remain 100% anonymous, always. 
OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL 1) Winter Mini Challenge The Winter Mini Challenge is up and running! It's the perfect way to keep children reading and excited about books over the holidays. Or it could help those reluctant readers fall in love with reading! Sign up online and set your book target at https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/
2) Trading Standards This message is being shared on behalf of Oxfordshire Trading Standards - sent wider to keep those we support safe. Cost of Living payments scam There are Criminals (scammers) attempting to get personal information from residents by sending out texts suggesting that residents are eligible for Cost-of-Living payments. If you have had a message asking you to apply or contact someone about the Cost-of-living payment, this might be a scam. If you are eligible for Cost-of-Living payments:
The use of Language. An example of the type of text message you may receive. “Please note that after deliberation by the government, it has been decided that the Living allowance from 2023 to 2024 will be fully applied and issued online. You have met the requirements, but our communications officer could not contact you, please confirm whether you need help or not. If you choose to give up, your place will be left for someone who needs it more. Your confirmation date is November 12 “ .BE AWARE The payment is automatic. DWP will never ask for personal details by text or email. This applies to any council government run scheme. Please contact the DWP/Council on the telephone number on your Council tax bill or letter. Alternatively check on their website for contact details. Do not click into any links or return the call from the telephone number displayed. Do not pass any personal details including bank account sort code and account numbers or credit card details. REMEMBER the Council or DWP will NEVER ask for them. For more information visit the government website.
3) Home Library Service To register for the Home Library Service or for further information, call 01865 810259 or email homelibraryservice@oxfordshire.gov.uk 
4) Surveys
https://letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/oxford_permiteligibility_nov2024 We're asking for your views on the proposal to amend the eligibility of various properties within Oxford Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) to apply for Residents & Visitors Parking Permits. The proposals are in accordance with parking policy, and are a result of the relevant planning permissions granted by Oxford City Council with associated conditions, and internal review of current eligibility when requested. The proposals are outlined in the table below:
https://letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/jericho-cycle-hangar-survey Welcome to the Jericho cycle hangar survey. This survey will run from 12 noon on Tuesday 10 December 2024 to 23:59 on Wednesday 22 January 2025. In 2023, the county council, in collaboration with Thames Valley Police, introduced secure on street cycle parking facilities in three streets (Cranham Street, Nelson Street and Great Clarendon Street) in the Jericho area of the city. Changes were made to some car parking bays and double yellow lines to accommodate 3 ‘cycle hangars’ (see details below). The cycle hangars were intended to reduce cycle theft by providing an option for residents in this area to securely park their bikes. The hangars provide secure on-street parking for 16 bicycles. Providing secure cycle parking is expected to help encourage more cycling.
OXFORD CITY COUNCIL 1) Anti-social Behaviour The term anti-social behaviour (ASB) covers a wide range of unacceptable activity that blights the lives of many people on a daily basis. It often leaves victims feeling helpless, desperate and with a seriously reduced quality of life. https://www.oxford.gov.uk/community-safety/anti-social-behaviour
2) A new online tenancy portal for council tenants We have launched a new online portal for council tenants that puts the ability to manage their tenancy at their fingertips 24/7. The Tenant Portal means tenants can log on to access information about their tenancy – including their rent account balance and payments – log repairs requests, and arrange appointments when it suits them. The portal currently allows tenants to request the 25 most common repairs and we have plans to roll out this online service to other types of repair. To encourage people to register, tenants registering an account by 31 January 2025 will be entered into a free prize draw. The winner will receive a £500 voucher of their choice, with two runners-up winning a £250 voucher and five third-place vouchers of £100 each.
3) The problem of short lets The rise of websites like Airbnb and Vrbo has led to a rapid increase in the number of short lets in Oxford in the last decade. The last publicly available data from AirDNA in July 2023 recorded 1,325 short lets in Oxford, with 765 (58%) of these let as entire properties. The true figures now are likely to be significantly higher. The increase in renting out entire properties for all or most of the year has resulted in the loss of valuable homes in the UK’s most unaffordable city. Meanwhile, there are nearly 3,500 households on the waiting list for social housing in Oxford. In the worst cases, short lets have been used for illegal or antisocial purposes. Short lets are often in quiet residential neighbourhoods. The strain this causes can be immense. The short-let sector is virtually unregulated. This means the Council has little power to enforce standards it requires for other rented accommodation. It is also difficult to tackle issues like antisocial behaviour and nuisance when there is a stream of different people using a property.
4) Warm spaces and activities in the cost-of-living crisis https://www.oxford.gov.uk/help-cost-living-crisis/warm-spaces-activities
5) Devolution plans Earlier this week, the Government announced plans for Devolution across England. The plans would see district and county councils merged into new unitary authorities with populations of about 500,000, and new 'mayoral combined authorities' sitting above them with populations of about 1.5m. The Government would then devolve new powers and funding down to the new authorities, so more decisions are taken locally.
6) Help the Homeless Maybe you’re not sure what you can do about it? Councillor Linda Smith explains two ways you can do something today. 1. If you’re concerned about a specific person experiencing rough sleeping, you can call or email the St Mungo’s outreach team with their details – including where they are sleeping. You can also do this through the Streetlink website. St Mungo’s and Streetlink are homelessness support services and will respond as quickly as they can. However, they are not emergency services. If someone is in immediate danger, needs medical help or is under 18 – call 999. 2. If you are concerned about homelessness in Oxford, there are many local groups and organisations providing support to people experiencing rough sleeping. Many organisations rely on donations to keep running and you can show your support by giving money. You may also be able to help by volunteering your time or by donating items On the Oxfordshire Homeless Movement website you’ll find a full list of support for people experiencing rough sleeping, as well as how you can get involved.
OXFORD DIRECT SERVICES 1) Collection of Christmas trees ODS will collect your real, bare Christmas trees – free from decorations, lights, and tinsel – on your green/brown bin day between Tuesday 7 January until Friday 14 February 2025. The trees will be taken to Severn Trent Green Power’s open windrow composting site, where they will be shredded and transformed into compost for local farmland. For residents living in flats, or for those who wish to recycle their real Christmas tree sooner, you can take it to one of our Christmas tree drop off points located across the city, listed below. These drop off points will open from Thursday 26 December 2024. Drop off locations
Extra recycling collectionsExtra recycling, such as wrapping paper and cards (excluding foil), can be placed next to your blue recycling bin in a clear bag. Small electrical items collectionSmall electrical items, such as broken fairy lights, will be collected when placed in a clear bag on top of your food bin. Christmas food waste collectionAll leftover Christmas food, including used cooking oil (placed in a sealed plastic bottle inside your food caddy) will be collected in your food caddy.
2) Christmas Collection Day Changes There will be a slight change to our collection schedule over the Christmas period. For specific dates and times, please refer to the image. 
Garden waste collections, bulky waste, and bin deliveries are suspended between Monday 23 December 2024 and Friday 3 January 2025. Collections will resume as normal from Monday 6 January 2025. https://www.oxford.gov.uk/recycling-waste/recycling-christmas/
Over Christmas we generate around 30% more waste and most of this can be recycled. In Oxfordshire alone, we generate around 2,500 extra tonnes of waste over the festive period! If you have any leftover wrapping paper and Christmas cards that can be reused, save them for next year. Any recycling that can't be reused can be placed into your blue recycling bin. Check out our festive recycling tips:
Reduce food waste and save money this Christmas by planning your feast carefully to buy just the right amount. If you do have leftovers, remember to recycle them in your food caddy. This includes items like turkey bones, cooking oil (place in a plastic bottle before popping to your caddy), and vegetable peelings. Don’t forget, you can line your food caddy with plastic bags (excluding black bags), plastic bread bags, or vegetable bags. Alternatively, you can place food waste in your caddy loose!
In Oxford, we will collect your real, bare Christmas trees (free from decorations, lights, and tinsel) on your green/brown bin day between Tuesday 7 January and Friday 14 February 2025. They will be shredded and turned into compost for local farmland. If you live in a flat, or want to recycle your real tree sooner, you can take it to one of our Christmas tree collection points located across the city. These will open from Thursday 26 December 2024. If you have an artificial tree that can't be reused or donated, drop it off to a recycling centre. Household Waste Recycling Centres Recycling centres opening hours are open 8am to 5pm throughout the year but are closed over the festive period:
Sites close early at 3pm on:
3) Christmas Day for ODS While most of Oxford will be enjoying a peaceful Christmas morning, a dedicated team from ODS will be hard at work ensuring the streets remain clean and tidy for the city’s residents. The team, led by supervisor, Endri Metaliu, will carry out vital litter picking, emptying bins, and collecting fly-tipping across key areas of Oxford. The ODS crew will focus on high footfall areas such as Cowley Road, St Clement’s Street, and Iffley Road, including side streets, so that these areas will continue to provide a clean and welcoming environment during the festive season. Their work will involve using small sweepers, litter picking, and clearing fly-tipped rubbish. Around 10 team members will be working through the morning on Christmas Day.
MUSEUM OF OXFORD 1) Programme January to March 2025 Please note the new time for Movers & Shakers session to 10.30am from January 
GENERAL INFORMATION 1) Pharmacy Hours Christmas and New Year 2024/5  2) Support and AdviceVictims First provides free emotional and practical support to all victims and witnesses of crime and anti-social behavior. as well as family members of victims. Victims First can be contacted on 0300 1234 148. Visit their website for more information www.victims-first.org.uk Turning Point is an all-purpose drug and alcohol treatment service. They are dedicated to promoting wellbeing and recovery from addiction. Their services can also support friends and family of someone going through drug and/or alcohol issues. Contact Turning Point for more information support on 01865 261690 or visit https://www.turning-point.co.uk/services/oxfordshire Fix My Street is an online reporting tool to report road or street problems such as broken street lighting, graffiti, fly-tipping, overgrown vegetation. Visit the linked below for more information https://www.fixmystreet.com/ ASB Case Review is a process designed to give victims of on-going ASB the right to request an independent review of their case. For more information, please click on the link below. https://www.oxford.gov.uk/community-safety/anti-social-behaviour-case-review 3) Resources at Christmas Festive season may be challenging for some. For anyone wanting help this Christmas, here are resources you can reach out to:
4) Hybrid working More than a quarter of working adults in Great Britain (28%) were hybrid working in the autumn of 2024. While the trend in working only from home has fallen since 2021, a hybrid-working model (part travelling to work, and part at home), has become the ‘new normal’ for around a quarter of workers. Hybrid working was more common among;
5) Healthy Start scheme Help to buy fruit, veg and milk Do you receive universal or family tax credits? Are you pregnant or have a child under four? If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk. Did you know that you might be eligible for a Healthy Start contactless card that gives you up to £34 a month to buy healthy food? https://www.healthystart.nhs.uk/
6) Black mould and condensation
Remove spores with a soft brush or vacuum cleaner. Then clean thoroughly using antifungal sprays or diluted bleach or white vinegar. Spray the affected area and leave for at least an hour. Use a soft cloth to scrub until all visible mould has gone and then dry thoroughly.
If possible dry your clothes outside, and if this isn’t possible use an airer. Don’t put them on the radiator as this can cause condensation
Wipe any condensation that forms on your windows, especially in the mornings, with a dry cloth and open windows briefly in the morning to let dry air in.
Leave a gap between walls and furniture, leave the top of wardrobes clear and do not overfill drawers or cupboards to allow air to circulate.
Try to heat your home evenly. To avoid major condensation problems the temperature in your home should not drop below 14 degrees. Condensation is not the only cause of damp. It can also come from leaking pipes or guttering, missing roof tiles or rising damp which may require building works. Place candles on a stable non-flammable surface, out of reach of children & pets. Don’t put them near your Christmas tree, curtains, bedding or books. Never leave lit candles unattended Visit for more simple safety tips to keep children safe this Christmas. https://capt.org.uk/6-simple-safety-tips-to-keep-children-safe-this-christmas/
7) Road safety Please plan your night out Designate a driver, use a ride-sharing app, take a bus or call a taxi. Enjoy the festive period with your loved ones, not without them! Do not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 
8) Give the gift of safety Now it's darker in the mornings and evenings, do you find yourself avoiding taking the dog for a walk, going for a run or walking alone? The Hollie Guard app can raise an alert by simply shaking your phone. It will send your location and video/audio evidence to your emergency contacts. This personal safety tool has multiple features which can be used in a variety of situations, making it a key app to have on your phone during the darker months. This is a free app. for personal safety. https://hollieguard.com/download-hollie-guard/
9) Bus service updates
The Government has announced a new £3 single fare cap. £3 is the most you will pay on your single fare, with lots of our fares costing less! Find out more here: https://stge.co/3BHfzZd 
10) Product Recalls
Hazard: The product presents a risk of choking as the zip puller can become detached, producing a small part.  
Hazard: The product presents a risk of burns as the wax may overheat, causing the glass to break.
Hazard: The product presents a risk of cuts as it features a sharp point which can protrude through the end of the heart. Consumers who have purchased the earmuffs should cease use immediately and return the item to their nearest Matalan store for a full refund. No receipt is required. Should you have any queries, please contact the Matalan customer care team on 0333 004 4444 or customercareceo@matalan.co.uk Item ID/model: C321115 Barcode: 2321115000012 Sales period: 19th August 2024 to 3rd December 2024
Hazard: The product presents a risk of injuries as the heels on the shoes may snap and cause the user to trip or fall, receiving injuries.
Hazard: The product presents a risk of cuts and injuries as the candy cane may become loose and expose a sharp metal point.
Hazard: The product presents a risk of choking as small parts can easily detach from the decoration and be mistaken for food.
Hazard: The product presents a risk of choking as small parts can easily detach from the decoration.
Hazard: The product presents a risk of choking as small parts can easily detach from the decoration and be mistaken for food.
Hazard: The product presents a risk of choking as small parts can easily detach from the decoration and be mistaken for food.
Hazard: The product presents a risk of choking as small parts can easily detach from the decoration.
Hazard: The product presents a risk of injuries as a fault with the shoulder strap attachment could cause the webbing to detach from the carrier.
Hazard: The product presents a risk of fire as a fault with the overcharge protection mechanism within the battery can cause the battery to overheat while charging.
Hazard: The product presents a risk of burns as the charge station could overheat under certain conditions.
Hazard: The product presents a serious risk of electric shock due to access to live parts.
Hazard: The product presents a risk of fire and burns as a manufacturing defect in the charging cases’ built in battery has been identified.
11) UK Government Local public service announcement Annoyed by the number of potholes in your area? The government is giving your local council more money to repair your roads, including filling and preventing potholes. If you’ve spotted a pothole in your area, report it here: https://www.gov.uk/report-pothole 
I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas Stay safe, Maggie | ||||||||
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