Residents in Rose Hill are being invited to keep cracking down on crime through a new confidential link with the police.

The service has been set up by area beat officer Pc John Brown after he feared that people attending his regular beat surgeries were reluctant to report useful tip-offs for fear of being branded 'grasses.'

Now he has come up with a form for people to fill in anonymously.

The service, which is also available to people in Littlemore, is being introduced in partnership with Oxford City Council, parent network Sure Start, and the Rose Hill Community Association.

The forms can be obtained from the council, Sure Start's office in Ashurst Way, Rose Hill First School and the community association, both based in The Oval.

Completed forms can be returned to six strongboxes at the offices.

Pc Brown, who has been the area officer for four years, said that a tip-off about car crime led to the arrest of six men during a raid on a house in Littlemore.

He said: "We've seen members of the public really taking a stand against such things as car theft and anti-social behaviour, and this has had a tremendous effect.

"The residents are the ones who generally know what's what and who's who, and it is vital they feel safe enough to confide that information to their local police officer, knowing there will be no repercussions."

Pc Brown can be called on 01865 335138, or through the Oxford crime desk on 01865 266333.