Tackling and reducing anti-social behaviour and alcohol related crime is a priority for all our partners of the scheme. We want members of the public to enjoy visiting and socialising in our magnificent City and feel safe, secure with a desire to return again and again.
Many Pubs and Nightclubs across the City have joined the scheme with member numbers continually increasing. Licensees recognise the importance of being part of a network of like-minded people and understand it is a great platform where sharing intelligence and information creates a safer socialising environment for all.
Pubwatch is committed to develop and enhance partnership working with Thames Valley Police’s Problem Solving Team, City Centre Police Team, licensing officers and other agencies to ensure we try and mitigate any potential criminality that a minority of individuals cause.
The crime partnership has recently funded a number of Body Worn Cameras which have been allocated to a number of venues for door supervisors to wear and capture both video and audio footage. It is a great preventative measure and often deters a situation from escalating once an individual(s) has been informed that they are being recorded. We have also purchased a defibrillator for the night time economy which is positioned within easy reach of those working in the Park End/Hythe Bridge street area.
OCCP has listened to the Pubwatch members and has responded by purchasing tools to make the lives of those who work and socialize in the night time economy safer.
Pubwatch also works closely with volunteers from Street Pastors UK, who play an active role in supporting those in need or vulnerable. Street pastors are trained volunteers from local churches who care about their community. They patrol in teams of men and women, usually from 10:30 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Their caring, helping and listening nature is a blessing to members of the public who may have become distressed, disorientated or slightly worse for wear. They are an amazing organisation and make such a difference within the community.
The Oxford SOS Treatment Centre Project is funded by Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group as part of the winter pressure relief aiming to prevent admissions to the JR and use of 999 services.
The paramedic team volunteer their services at high demand events, typically Freshers and during Xmas and New Year. During 2018/19 they treated 74 patients with some requiring further assessments at the JR, whilst others needing Health Advice or Signposting.
Their commitment and service prevented a number of inappropriate presentations to the Emergency Department which is fantastic. Pubwatch works closely with the SOS bus and are contactable by radio.