Police are patrolling busy shopping areas, targeting pick-pockets and thieves during the festive period.

Thames Valley Police said neighbourhood officers on foot patrol in Oxford city centre arrested a male on suspicion of a theft-related offences yesterday (December 11).

Neighbourhood police and armed officers are to patrol theft hotspots and shoppers can expect to see more police visiting shops and Christmas markets over the festive season, the force said.

They are are aiming to deter seasonal crime in Oxford.

People should not be concerned as “they [the officers] are simply there on foot patrols to keep people safe,” police have said.