Banbury Town Sgt Larry Johnson has issued his latest monthly bulletin on recent police activity, which has also seen his team working hard to curb a graffiti problem.

He said: "The Neighbourhood team made a significant arrest in April of a prolific purse and handbag thief. The man had been very active in Banbury Town shops, cafes and supermarkets targeting people for their valuables.

"As a result of this arrest and a court appearance he is now serving a five month prison sentence.

"This type of thief will pray on the elderly, people who are distracted and property that is not secure, so please remain vigilant and keep your valuables close and in view at all times.

"PCSO Tom Bailey has been working closely with the Cherwell District Council (CDC) Street Wardens this month and they have been clearing graffiti from buildings, signs and other locations.

"Graffiti is unsightly and often offensive so it is important that it is removed as soon as possible after it appears.

"The work carried out by the Neighbourhood team and CDC is valued and meeting the key concerns raised by the Neighbourhood survey.

"Arrests have also been made by NSO Paul Froggatt in relation to some particularly offensive graffiti: two persons have since been charged.

"The area Community and Diversity Officer (CADO) Annette Wheeler, has been out and about with NSO Sam Devlin, on their bikes no less.

"This is not a common approach by CADOs as a way to engage with the community, but is seen as a new approach to being visible and accessible to the people living in the Neighbourhood.

"Whilst on their travels in Grimsbury and Cherwell Heights, they were stopped by numerous people for a chat. Their presence and contact was very well received.

"Theft of metal across the Neighbourhood continues to be a problem. In the past month schools and churches have been targeted by criminals.

"This is currently a very lucrative crime to commit and we ask you to look out for any suspicious behaviour, particularly in and around the locations mentioned. If you have any information then please contact Thames Valley Police on 08458 505505.

"The Neighbourhood survey has started. We aim to conduct 1000 in total. The purpose of the survey is to ascertain the areas of concern for the community.

"From this we will develop six key priorities that need to be addressed in the coming year.

"The Neighbourhood Team, along with the Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG) and our partners will meet regularly to decide how best to deal with the issues identified by the community.

"We are also interested to hear from anyone who may wish to participate on the NAG and become actively involved with community issues, please contact PS Johnson at Banbury for further details.

"We are always trying to find new and better ways to communicate with people who live and work in our area.

"If you are involved in putting together a parish magazine, residents' association newsletter, website or other community publication, please send your details to the neighbourhood administrator, Toni Tochel, at toni.tochel@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk and she can email you copies of our press releases and other information relevant to your area."