Call for more police officers after city stabbing

Another city stabbing has led to concerns over the number of police officers patrolling the streets

An independent candidate standing in Oxford East has raised concerns about the number of police officers patrolling the streets after another city stabbing.

It comes after a man in his 20’s was stabbed and had cash stolen from him in Blackbird Leys on Thursday.

Amir Steve Ali, who is hoping to become a member of parliament at the next general election, has written to police and crime commissioner (PCC) Matthew Barber about the issue.

Matthew Barber, PCC for Thames Valley, said he continues to prioritise neighbourhood policing.

Mr Ali said: “There have been quite a few stabbings in east Oxford recently.

“The problem is, you don’t see any police around patrolling the area. The only time you’ll see five or 10 police officers is after the incident.

“There used to be quite a lot around back in the days. Now there are no police anywhere.”

He added: “If the PCC wants more police officers then I would say politely, let’s crack on with it.”

Matthew Barber said he continues to prioritise neighbourhood policing

Mr Barber said: “I know people want to see more officers in their communities, which is why I continue to prioritise neighbourhood policing.

“There are more police officers in the Thames Valley than ever before and working with the chief constable we have been doubling the number working in neighbourhood roles.”

He said: “We will recruit more than 100 additional police officers to help increase visibility and continue to cut crime.

“Our Violence Prevention Partnership is key to tackling the root causes of violence and knife crime in particular.”

Labour councillor for Blackbird Leys, Linda Smith, said: “We’ve reached out to the local neighbourhood police team to see how we can support their efforts on the estate and we will do our best to focus the resources of our councils where they are most needed locally."