Local MP at meeting on crime in Cowley
Oxford East MP Anneliese Dodds met with representatives
Last updated 13th Feb 2025
Drugs and anti-social behaviour have been identified as being among the biggest concerns in Cowley as a politician asks for more resources to tackle issues in the area.
Oxford East MP Anneliese Dodds met with local residents, Thames Valley Police officers and councillors to discuss concerns about crime in the area.
She has asked the police and crime commissioner to allow more officers to combat ongoing issues which includes the Cowley Centre.
Permanent CCTV has also been installed under Cowley Bridge to help prevent anti-social behaviour from taking place.
In a statement issued this week, Ms Dodds said: “I’m really grateful to the local residents who came along to my crime-focused drop in, as well as to the local police and councillors who kindly came along too.
“Residents raised their concerns about drug-dealing, anti-social behaviour and the need for alternatives for young people who might be pulled into a life of crime.
“I’m pleased that we’re now seeing a return to community policing and new measures coming in against knife crime and anti-social behaviour, but I’ll keep pushing for action on residents’ concerns.
“This has included taking up with the police and crime commissioner the need for resources to be devoted to urban crime in Oxford, including against county lines and other forms of child exploitation.”
She wrote a letter to the Thames Valley police and crime commissioner Matthew Barber, asking what steps he was taking to prioritise the disruption of county lines and the exploitation of children.
Ms Dodds also asked him to provide accessible information to the public about how policing resources and outcomes compare across council areas in Thames Valley.
County councillors Trish Elphinstone, who represents Rose Hill and Littlemore, and councillor Imade Edosomwan, who represents Leys, were also in attendance at the meeting.
Ms Elphinstone said: “Residents spoke of drug and anti-social behaviour issues and the need to be in regular contact with the police to address concerns and tackle crime.
“It was a good opportunity for residents to speak with the police and understand the importance in reporting problems and how to do it.
“As local councillors we have seen positive outcomes when residents report.
“It has led to permanent CCTV under the Cowley Bridge in my division to deter anti-social behaviour.”
Another session is planned for Headington in the coming months, and Ms Dodds is encouraging residents to contact her office if they want to attend.
To report anti-social behaviour, you can contact your local police force on the non-emergency number 101 if you feel threatened or the behaviour could be breaking the law.