Thames Valley Police outline operation for Oxford United v Reading F.C
Thames Valley Police will undertake a highly visible and robust policing operation for the match between Oxford United and Reading F.C this Saturday.
Last updated 1st Feb 2024
Thames Valley Police will be using Police dogs, drones and dispersal orders in order to deal with any anti-social behaviour when Oxford United face Reading this weekend.
This comes after 17 people were arrested at December’s reverse fixture in Reading, following scuffles in the street.
To try and prevent a repeat of the reverse fixture a number of tactics such as the use of Football Spotters, Mounted Officers, Police Dogs and Drones will also be deployed to provide reassurance for local communities.
The force has also put a number of orders in place including a Section 35 order, which gives officers the power to disperse individuals and groups of people causing harassment, alarm or distress.
A 60 section order has also been put in place which will allow officers to require any person to remove an item which they believe the person intends to wear to conceal their identity.
Both orders will be in place from 8am until 8pm on Saturday in Oxford as well as Didcot. The specific areas are marked below:
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.”