To fight rural crime successfully the police and community must work together.

West Oxfordshire Country Watch focuses on effective ways of preventing and detecting crime and encourages vigilance and communication between the police and rural communities.

Thieves are often confident and blatant but you know the local people in your area and residents are actively encouraged to contact the police if they see any persons or vehicles acting suspiciously. Even if it turns out to be innocent activity, you are not wasting police time.

Telephone the non-emergency number on 0845 8 505 505.

If a crime is currently in progress then dial 999.

Keeping informed

You may want to consider joining Country Watch. It is free to sign up for alerts from the police and you can choose to receive these either by email or telephone.

The benefits of joining include:

• Reducing the opportunities for crime and vandalism on your property.
• Improve two way communication between rural communities and the police.
• Keep updated regarding suspicious incidents, crimes and witness appeals.
• Receive free crime reduction advice and a Country Watch sign to display on your property as a deterrent.

You can sign up online and start receiving the alerts straight away.

Or telephone the Community Safety Partnership office for an application form on 01993 861640.