Closure order issued on Oxford city centre shop

A closure order has been issued on an Oxford shop due to it being linked to an ongoing investigation around the suspected handling and selling of stolen goods.

Police secured a three month closure order for Park Stores on Florence Park Road on June 20th – it is the first time that Closure Order powers have been used by police to close a business in the Thames Valley area. 

The closure means that no-one can enter the shop except for the people specified on the order, which includes the freeholder of the property, Trading Standards, police and other emergency services. Anyone else who enters will be committing an offence and can be arrested. 

PS Ben Clarke, of East Oxford’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We have implemented this order as a deterrent and to prevent crime continuing at the location. Following the Closure Order being granted by Oxford Magistrates Court, the shop’s licence has been reviewed and revoked due to concerns about the shop’s operations. An investigation continues at this time. 

“We remain committed to cracking down on the handling of stolen goods and anti-social behaviour associated with it. We have commenced Operation Boycie to continue work in this area, which demonstrates our dedication in supporting our retail community, as well as shoppers and the wider public. 

“We are working in partnership with other agencies on issues such as this one and I urge everyone to please keep reporting incidents to us on 101 or via our website. No-one knows their streets like the people who live and work there – if you see something happening that is suspicious or out of place, please let us know.”