Be aware who you scare this Halloween!

Halloween and the days preceding, is one of the busiest times of year for our Contact Centres where 999 and 101 calls and online reports are taken.

As an emergency service, we will always prioritise 999 calls so you may experience a delay when making a non-emergency call on 101.

If your call is not an emergency, you can report a crime or anti-social behaviour to us online. A dedicated team of operators work 24/7 to read and act on reports that are submitted, meaning you don’t have to wait on hold for your 101 call to be answered.

Report a crime

Report anti-social behaviour

While Halloween is an exciting time for many, be aware that not everyone is happy for you to call at their home to trick or treat.

If you would prefer not to be disturbed by trick or treaters, you can download our poster and display this prominently in your window.

If you plan to go trick or treating:

  • Respect the wishes of those who display one of these posters
  • Be considerate of those who may find large groups of people in scary costumes intimidating
  • Only visit the homes of people you know well or who are clearly displaying Halloween decorations

Police officers will be conducting extra patrols around Halloween. If you feel unsafe:

  • Don’t open your door if you’re unsure who is there. Use your spyhole, look out of a window, and use your door chain if you do decide to open your door.
  • Have a contact number of a close relative, friend or good neighbour to hand by your telephone, just in case you need to phone them.

Remember, if a crime is in progress or if you feel your life is in danger then call 999. For non-emergencies, you can report crimes and ASB online or by calling 101.

Message Sent By
Julia Williams (Police, Neighbourhood Policing Admin, South Oxon and Vale)

 

Extra garden waste collections available this month

Residents across southern Oxfordshire who are signed up for brown bin collections can put out twice as much garden waste during the extra garden waste weeks this month.

South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse district councils are giving those who are part of the paid-for service the opportunity to put out the equivalent of one extra bin’s worth of garden waste (around three large 80 litre bin bags) in the following weeks:

  • week commencing 15 October – Vale of White Horse customers
  • week commencing 22 October – South Oxfordshire customers

Residents should leave their extra garden waste out in bin liners or sacks beside their brown bins on their usual collection day during these weeks. Trade waste bags will not be accepted, however you can re-use old compost bags.

The garden waste is taken to a recycling plant in Oxfordshire where it is used to make compost, which goes to local farmers, allotment holders and an annual compost giveaway. However, there are increasing reports that the waste is being contaminated with non-compostable items such as plant pots, plastic bags and bottles.

Cllr Elaine Ware, cabinet member for housing and environment at Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “This extra garden waste service offers a great opportunity for residents to clear their gardens and make them ready for winter. We want to take this opportunity to remind people that they should only put compostable garden waste in the brown bin.”

Cllr Caroline Newton, cabinet member for housing and environment at South Oxfordshire District Council, added: “I would encourage all our garden waste customers to make use of this extra-large collection – it’s the right time of year to give your garden a really good clear out. Please bear in mind that just because something is used in the garden, that doesn’t make it garden waste.”

What CAN be put into the brown bin

  • Leaves
  • Grass
  • Weeds
  • Flowers and plants
  • Hedge clippings
  • Branches (not more than 10cm thick)
  • Prunings and twigs
  • Windfall fruit
  • Hay / Straw / Sawdust (soiled animal bedding from non-meat eating animals only eg rabbits)
  • Vegetable waste from the garden only eg potato tops (not kitchen waste)

See the councils’ websites for more information via www.morerecycling.co.uk.

** Please note that boxes and bags left on the extra garden waste days are left at the customer’s discretion and the councils will not replace them if missing or damaged.

 

http://www.southoxon.gov.uk/news/2018/2018-10/extra-garden-waste-collections-available-month