Police demand cash from developers to tackle student crime

Police are increasingly strong-arming student housing developers to cough up cash to fight crime. The claims are made to councils as part of Section 106 orders, which levy money to lessen the impact of a development in a neighbourhood. Some councils support the applications, but many refuse and tell the police to look for extra money from the government. The latest claim is by Thames Valley Police to Oxford City Council over a proposed new 140-flat student development on St Clement’s car park in the city centre. Police want £70,000 paid over four years by the developer to subsidise the costs of taking on four support officers to police the area. The claim reveals each officer costs the force £40,000 a year in pay, training, equipment and other resources. “This is an issue that we see increasingly cropping up,” said Roger Smith, of planning consultants Savills. “Police argue that the increased need for policing should be part of the section 106 package of contributions. Some council accept that, while others say that is what taxation is for.” The application claims new student housing generates extra antisocial behaviour and crime in the city. “Crime and incidents associated with a student population largely centre around complaints about antisocial behaviour,” said Simon Dackombe, of Thames Valley Police. “However, a number of criminals specifically target student population areas. These areas are prone to a higher than average number of burglaries and thefts of bikes or from cars.” Residents claim the police warning boosts their chances of winning a campaign to reject the scheme. They have already protested about antisocial behaviour at night in the neighbourhood and fear an influx of more students will make matters worse. Oxford University is also against the plans, arguing the new block will cut off light to one of their student halls.

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Sam Dickinson

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