Witney News - More Arrests Following 25 Criminal Damage Offences

More Arrests Following 25 Criminal Damage Offences

West Oxfordshire police are warning those who damage property that they may get a knock on
their door and be arrested. In the last month 8 people have been arrested following 26 offences of vandalism.

Every offence reported will be investigated in support of an initiative launched two months ago to crackdown on crime. Criminal damage accounts for 40% of the recorded crime in the district.

Chief Inspector Dennis Evernden, The Police Area Commander for West Oxfordshire said: “We are now beginning to see the benefits of targeting our resources at criminal damage. There was a series of offences in the Eynsham and Standlake areas where vehicles were damaged, and ten offences in one night in Witney. We have now arrested and charged people for 10 offences and 5 people are on bail for a further 11 offences. We have made significant progress in tackling criminal
damage during the last few months and we are now targeting offenders.”

Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Cabinet Member for Community Safety at West Oxfordshire District Council said: “This is more good news, we have achieved significant reductions in crime and we're determined to reduce criminal damage. These latest arrests send a message to those people who are intent on damaging property and vehicles. I would encourage anyone with information about criminal damage to contact their Neighbourhood Police Officer on 08458 505 505 or call
Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.