Oxford suburb uses wooden sticks to fight crime

Littlemore Residents Use Hyōshigi for Crime Prevention

Councillor David Henwood has been patrolling the streets of Littlemore, Oxford, with hyōshigi (Picture: Tom Wren / SWNS).

A suburb in Oxford has found that crime prevention may not rely on CCTV, Ring doorbells, or neighbourhood WhatsApp groups, but on two pieces of wood banged together.

After a series of tyre slashings and knife attacks, residents of Littlemore have started using the historic Japanese method of hyōshigi.

Hyōshigi is a simple musical instrument made of two pieces of hardwood or bamboo, sometimes connected by rope.

The clappers create a cracking sound, traditionally used in Japanese theatre and by night-watchmen for centuries.

This noise alerts local people that they are being watched and warns potential criminals away.

Councillor’s Initiative

Councillor David Henwood, who represents the Littlemore area, has been patrolling four roads with a hyōshigi.

Cllr Henwood, married to a Japanese woman and having lived in Japan for 20 years, stated that crime in the area has decreased due to neighbourhood patrols using these devices.

He said: “These are wooden clappers used at night to remind people to check things like gas supplies and general safety.”

He added, “I’ll be using them in a similar way – to encourage residents to stay vigilant, carry out basic checks, and to let them know they are being cared for and watched over.”

He noted that a similar method was successful during a previous spate of bike thefts.

Community Engagement

When he lived in Japan, Cllr Henwood observed part-time firemen walking the streets, clapping these sticks in front of houses.

He explained, “It was a warning to be vigilant – turn the gas off, make sure the windows are closed, make sure everything’s safe.”

He believes this method fosters community spirit and wanted to implement it in Littlemore.

Now, Cllr Henwood aims to bring the “lovely sound” of Tokyo to Littlemore.

The neighbourhood began using hyōshigi about a week ago, focusing on streets where tyre slashing occurred.

Patrols and Community Response

Cllr Henwood said, “It’s very difficult for the police to be around all the time, and they’re not always visible, so I wanted to fill a gap in the evenings and do a night patrol.”

He believes that if people can hear as well as see, they will feel safer knowing someone is watching over the community.

He reported that residents have responded positively, with people coming out and expressing gratitude via social media and phone calls.

With this historic method, Cllr Henwood hopes to catch the perpetrator responsible for the tyre slashing.

The initiative is growing, with a new volunteer stepping forward to help.

He plans to continue the hyōshigi patrols through winter and possibly into summer, aiming to make residents feel safer in their homes.

Police Reports

Thames Valley Police are aware of “multiple reports of criminal damage to motor vehicles on Giles Road, Littlemore.”

A police spokesperson stated, “On 23 December and 30 December, a black Mini Cooper had its tyre damaged, and on 28 December, a black MG had its tyre damaged.”

These incidents are believed to be targeted, with no wider threat to the public. No arrests have been made, and inquiries are ongoing.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the police, quoting 43250658134 or calling anonymously on 0800 555 111.

On December 11, Giles Road was the scene of a stabbing, leading residents to feel unsafe.

The victim, a man in his 20s, suffered serious injuries and was hospitalized in a non-life-threatening condition.