A NEW inspector for one of Oxford’s most vibrant and diverse areas has vowed to continue listening to the community.

Insp John Linsdell has taken over the East Oxford Area, which is made up of St Clement’s, Iffley Fields and Cowley, and covers both Iffley Road and Cowley Road.

The latest figures show 121 fewer crimes in August, September and October in East Oxford compared with the same period last year, including a decline in burglaries, car crime, anti-social behaviour, violence and robberies.

Police still have a tough challenge, however.

A survey of about 500 residents last month named drunken yobs, traffic chaos in residential streets, and drugs as the top three complaints.

Insp Linsdell, who once walked the Cowley beat, said: “We will go to local meetings and listening to people’s concerns and acting on them.

“East Oxford is a very diverse and vibrant area but I believe that means it has a lot of resources for police to use.”

Insp Linsdell was formerly with Oxford CID and headed the city’s burglary team.

He is replacing former East Oxford Inspector Brian Cooper, who will now run North Oxford – replacing Insp Joe Tripkovic, who has retired from the force.

The Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG) survey, held in October and November, identified the top three priorities for the next year.

The East Oxford NAG includes councillors, businessmen, city council staff and residents’ associations.

Thelma Martin, chair of the East Oxford NAG and chair of the Fairacres Road Residents Association, said the diverse membership meant a range of skills to tackle problems.

“For example, police have limited powers to deal with problem parking, but traffic enforcement officers are part of the NAG and they can make a contribution,” she said.

Email the beat team at IffleyFields/StClements NHPT@thamesvalley.pnn.

police.uk or call 0845 850 5505.

mwilkinson@oxfordmail.co.uk