OXFORD is currently “the safest it has ever been” from robbery, a police inspector has claimed.

Despite this Thames Valley Police has said it will still lay on extra patrols this summer in robbery “hot spots” to deal with the influx of foreign visitors.

It is the fifth year that “Operation Buzzard” will go ahead, aimed at tackling street robbery.

Det Insp Paul Miller said: “Oxford is the safest it has ever been in terms of street robbery, but the summer months generally see an increase with the influx of tourists and foreign students.

“This operation is set up specifically to protect the community from this and has been shown to be very successful in previous years.

“We want Oxford to continue to be a safe place for everyone to enjoy.”

This year the force will be placing patrols in “hotspot areas.”

It will work in partnership with Oxford Safer Communities Partnership, park rangers, local councils, both the city’s universities and the Language Schools Forum.

Det Sgt Bill Sykes said: “This is a very busy time of year for Oxford residents and visitors. We will continue to target offences of robbery robustly seeking to bring offenders to justice. The team includes officers in high visibility roles, plain clothed officers and detectives.

“Our neighbourhood policing teams are committed to tackling issues of anti social behaviour problems including litter and under age alcohol around the park areas during the summer months.”

Oxford City Council board member for crime and community Dee Sinclair said: “I hope that this campaign will help highlight to tourists and visitors that they need to be aware of their surroundings and ensure that they keep their valuables safe when they are out and about.”

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