Police find 47 people reported missing across Cherwell area in June - new police commander's update

Thames Valley Police officers have applied for two closure orders on properties in Bicester, including on which resulted in the arrest of a Banbury man.

TVP Commander Emma Garside issued an update today, Thursday July 9, on the police actions during her first six weeks of serving as commander over the Cherwell and West Oxfordshire Local Policing Area.

Across the month of June officers in Cherwell and West Oxfordshire made the following actions:

- Investigated 819 crimes

- Dealt with 248 non-crime related incidents

- Arrested 205 people

- Found 47 people who were reported missing

- Recovered four stolen tractors

- Applied for two closure orders on properties in Bicester

- Executed six drug warrants

One of the criminal closures of property in Bicester resulted in the arrest of two people, including including a Banbury man. Police arrested a 25-year-old man from Banbury was arrested on suspicion of concern in the supply of class A drugs.

Commander Emma Garside said: "We have seen significant reductions in burglary dwelling offences, down 52 per cent on this time last year. Some of this is undoubtedly COVID related with many more people being at home.

"We continue to focus on locations of high demand for us.

"Disappointingly six of my officers were assaulted during this period whilst responding to your calls for service - fortunately all are now well.

"Please be reassured that all my officers and staff have the PPE they need to continue to police our communities throughout the pandemic and whilst our Front Counter areas remain shut to the public we are responding to calls in the usual way.

"Again thank you for your continued support, I hope to update you again soon."