In an innovative approach to community safety, residents of an Oxford suburb have adopted a centuries-old Japanese practice to combat local crime. People in the Littlemore area are now conducting evening patrols while banging together wooden clappers known as Hyōshigi, a method historically used by Japanese night-watchmen.
A Traditional Solution to a Modern Problem
The initiative began after Littlemore experienced a troubling wave of criminal activity, including multiple tyre slashings, stabbings, and even a shooting. Councillor David Henwood, who represents the area and is married to a Japanese woman, introduced the concept after feeling that police presence was insufficiently visible, particularly during evenings.
Hyōshigi are simple instruments consisting of two pieces of hardwood or bamboo, sometimes connected by a rope. When struck together, they produce a sharp, cracking sound. In Japan, this sound traditionally served as a warning to be vigilant and a signal to potential criminals that the community was alert and watching.
'We started to have a spate of knife attacks in my village in Littlemore, stabbings and tyre slashings - we've even had a shooting recently,' explained Cllr Henwood. 'It's very difficult for the police to be around all the time... so I wanted to fill a gap in the evenings.'
Bringing the Sound of Tokyo to Oxford
Cllr Henwood, who lived in Japan for two decades, became familiar with the sound of Hyōshigi echoing through neighbourhoods each night. He described how residents would clap the sticks outside their homes as a communal reminder to secure properties and stay alert.
'It develops a fantastic community spirit between local neighbourhoods,' he said. 'It's something I wanted to bring here but never really had the courage to do so. I'd like to bring the sound of Tokyo to Littlemore in Oxford. It's a lovely sound.'
The councillor has been personally patrolling four roads with the clappers, encouraging residents to stay vigilant and conduct basic security checks. He reports that the scheme has already shown positive results, citing a previous successful effort to curb bike thefts using a similar method. 'It told the thieves we were in the area and recording things,' he noted.
Community Response and Ongoing Incidents
The new patrols follow a serious incident on 11 December, when a man in his 20s was stabbed and suffered serious, though not life-threatening, injuries. This attack heightened fears among residents, with one parent admitting his children were 'worried' and that violence felt 'normal' in the area.
Thames Valley Police have confirmed they are investigating multiple reports of criminal damage to vehicles on Giles Road in Littlemore in late December. A spokesperson stated that incidents on 23, 28, and 30 December, which involved a black Mini Cooper and a black MG having tyres damaged, are believed to be targeted. No arrests have been made, and enquiries are ongoing.
Despite these events, Cllr Henwood is optimistic. He says more residents are volunteering for the neighbourhood watch, and the group plans to continue patrols through the winter. 'I want people to feel safer in their own homes. I'm willing to try anything to try and achieve that,' he stated. 'If this works and people do feel safer, we'll continue it.'
