Earlier this afternoon, PCSOs from the Bicester Neighbourhood Policing Team have utilised powers given to police and designated officers from Cherwell District Council under the Public Space Protection (PSPO) covering Bicester town centre. Two males have been directed to leave the area and not re-enter it for a period of 24 hours, as there were grounds to believe that they were likely to commit offences and/or anti-social behaviour if they were to remain.

This was following a number of reports from shops in the town centre of these males attempting to shoplift, and being verbally abusive when challenged by staff. Enquiries are currently ongoing to establish if there are any confirmed offences. Failure to comply with a PSPO direction to leave the area will initially result in a £100 fine.

For more information about the prohibitions and offences under the PSPO in Bicester, including a map of the geographical area covered by it, please see this page on the Cherwell District Council website: https://www.cherwell.gov.uk/info/120/community-safety/978/public-space-protection-order