THAMES Valley Police is putting extra measures in place in Oxford this weekend as it polices the upcoming football fixture.
Police will be undertaking high-visibility patrols in a “robust” operation surrounding the match between Oxford United FC and Reading FC.
Section 35 and Section 60 AA orders will be put in place around central and south Oxford, as well as in Didcot, between 8am and 8pm on Saturday, February 3, as preventative measures.
A Section 35 means officers have increased powers to disperse individuals and groups causing distress or alarm, and a Section 60 AA means they have increased power to remove an article which could be used to conceal a person’s identity.
As well as these measures, Thames Valley Police is also using mounted officers, police dogs, drones, and football spotters during their operations around the match.
Reading FC played Oxford United for the first time in decades on Tuesday, December 12, last year, ahead of which police put Section 35 dispersal orders in place around central Reading and the Select Car Leasing Stadium in anticipation of incidents of disorder.
Superintendent Adrian Hall, tactical commander for the policing operation, said: “The majority of people attending this game will be there to enjoy the football and our officers will be there throughout the day and on hand to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
“Please feel free to approach them.
“We continue to work with both football clubs, our partners and local communities to ensure a safe operation and prevent those who pose a risk of anti-social behaviour from impacting on others.”
