Several police vans and cars are parked outside the train station and the Said Business School this afternoon (Wednesday, November 4).
The presence is ahead of the Oxford United game against Reading FC at the Kassam Stadium, with kick-off at 7.45pm.
People from Oxfordshire and Berkshire will be travelling to Oxford for the game.
Thames Valley Police said it will undertake a “highly visible and comprehensive policing operation” for the fixture.
Police presence in Oxford ahead of the game (Image: Alex Carter)
A number of policing tactics will be in place before, during and after the match to help ensure the safety of supporters, local residents and local businesses.
As part of the operation, a Section 35 dispersal order and Section 60AA powers will be in place to help prevent antisocial behaviour, disorder and criminality associated with the fixture.
A Section 35 order gives police officers and PCSOs the power to direct individuals causing, or likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to leave a specified area.
A Section 60AA order gives uniformed officers the power to require any person to remove items worn wholly or mainly to conceal their identity, such as face coverings, and to seize any item they reasonably believe is intended for that purpose. Failure to comply may constitute an offence.
The authorisations will be in place until 1am on November 5 in designated areas of Reading, Didcot and Oxford.
Areas include Grenoble Road, Nightingale Avenue, Windale Avenue, Pegasus Road, Cuddesdon Way, Watlington Road, Sandy Lane, Blackbird Leys Road, Eastern Bypass Road, A4074 and Sandford Road
Around Didcot Parkway, this includes Broadway, Foxhall Road and the trainline.
In Oxford city centre, the area covers Hythe Bridge Street, Worcester Street, Beaumont Street, Magdalen Street East, Broad Street, Turl Street, High Street, Alfred Street, Blue Boar Street, St Aldates, Speedwell Street, Thames Street, Osney Lane, Barrett Street, River Thames, Castle Mill Stream.
A range of specialist resources will be deployed throughout the operation, including operational football spotters, mounted officers, police dogs, public order officers, tactical cyclists and drone capabilities.
Operational football spotters will engage with supporters and assist in identifying individuals who may pose a risk of anti-social behaviour or disorder.
Superintendent Jennifer Hogben, tactical commander for the operation, said: “This fixture is expected to attract significant interest and we will have a comprehensive policing operation in place to help ensure everyone attending the match can do so safely.
“We have been working closely with both football clubs, British Transport Police, our partners and local communities to ensure a safe operation and to prevent those who pose a risk of anti-social behaviour from impacting on others. This includes activity at key transport hubs and along travel routes used by supporters.
“However, we will not tolerate violence, disorder, antisocial behaviour or criminality of any kind. Anyone intent on causing disruption can expect a swift response from officers.
“We would strongly urge parents and guardians to know where their children are and what they are doing on the evening of the match.
“The vast majority of people attending this fixture will be there to enjoy the football and our officers will be on hand throughout the day to provide reassurance, answer questions and deal swiftly with any issues that arise.
“Where individuals choose to engage in criminality, we will use the powers available to us, including the Section 35 dispersal order and Section 60AA authorisation in place throughout the operation, and will take enforcement action where necessary.
“We would encourage supporters to arrive in good time, follow the directions of stewards and police officers, and report any concerns to us on the day.”
Anyone with concerns can speak to police officers, stewards or stadium staff. If you witness criminal behaviour please report it to us by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.