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People living near an Oxford park have demanded more bobbies on the beat after a series of violent robberies.

Several teenagers have been beaten and mugged at knifepoint in a string of attacks in Gillians Park and the surrounding roads.

People in Greater Leys said the robberies - combined with drug dealers and mini-moto louts - have made the park a no-go area after dark.

David Troth, 45, from Deer Walk, said: "With everything that has gone on people are getting worried. They won't go to the park, even to cut through to the bus stop.

"The last thing you want to hear about is young people being beaten up and threatened with knives. I want the police to put a stop to the gangs hanging around and to patrol more at night."

Robberies on nine people have been reported to the police in just over a month, but officers are not linking them to one gang.

And, in another incident two weeks ago - which was not reported to the police - two 18-year-old German foreign language students were beaten up by a gang of seven youths in Grenoble Road.

Hannah Gibson, who lives on nearby Sandfordbrake Farm, said her husband chased off the attackers after hearing screams.

Mrs Gibson, said: "They took everything off the boys. They even took their shoes. They hit them and kicked them and all sorts. They put up a bit of a fight, but they didn't stand a chance.

"It's disgusting. They were going home the next morning. What a nice reminder of England."

Dc Claire Routledge said many of the robbery victims were foreign language students and advised them not to use the park at night.

She said: "I would like to reassure residents that we are doing all we can to catch the offenders.

"Since the robberies took place we have been increasing the number of high-visibility patrols in Gillians Park.

"These are particularly in the evenings and overnight, which could be why some residents may not have seen them."

Dc Routledge said the police dog section and a helicopter had also been used to monitor the park.

Officers had also been stopping and searching people in the area, including one teenager who was found to be in possession of a screwdriver, she said.

But residents said the area continues to be a haven for drug dealers and teenagers who ride motorcross bikes dangerously close to two children's play areas.

IWCA councillor Stuart Craft arranged a demonstration five years ago where muggers were "symbolically evicted" from the park.

He said: "The police need to be stepping up their patrols.

"There's no point having lovely green spaces if you can't use them."

Have you been a victim of crime in Gillians Park? Call us on 01865 425423.

6:21am Tuesday 19th August 2008

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