An Oxford suburb is turning to a centuries-old Japanese technique in a novel bid to combat local crime, moving beyond modern surveillance and social media alerts.
The Sound of Safety: Hyōshigi Comes to Oxford
Following a series of incidents including multiple tyre slashings and a stabbing, the community of Littlemore has adopted the historic Japanese method of hyōshigi. These simple wooden clappers, traditionally used in Japanese theatre and by night-watchmen, are being knocked together during evening patrols to create a distinctive cracking sound.
Councillor David Henwood, who represents Littlemore and lived in Japan for two decades, is leading the initiative. He patrols four roads with the clappers, aiming to replicate their traditional purpose: a warning to be vigilant and a signal that the community is being watched over.
"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," Cllr Henwood explained. He noted the approach had proven successful before during a spate of bike thefts, sending a clear message to thieves.
Building Community Spirit and Filling a Gap
Cllr Henwood was inspired by his time in Tokyo and on Japan's outer islands, where part-time firemen would walk the streets clapping the sticks on winter evenings. "It develops a fantastic community spirit between local neighbourhoods. It’s something I wanted to bring here but never really had the courage to do so," he said.
With police visibility limited, he wanted to "fill a gap in the evenings." The audible patrols, which began about a week ago focusing on problematic streets like Giles Road, have already drawn a positive response. "People have come out, curtains have been opened... we’ve had people in touch via social media and telephone to say thank you," he reported.
The councillor believes the method has already contributed to reducing crime in the area and has attracted a new volunteer to share patrol duties. He plans to continue through winter and possibly into summer, stating he is "willing to try anything" to make people feel safer.
Police Investigation and Ongoing Concerns
Thames Valley Police confirmed they are investigating "multiple reports of criminal damage to motor vehicles on Giles Road, Littlemore." Specific incidents include:
- A black Mini Cooper tyre damaged on 23 December and again on 30 December 2025.
- A black MG tyre damaged on 28 December.
A police spokesperson stated: "These incidents are believed to be targeted and there is no wider threat to the public. No arrests have been made and enquiries are still ongoing." They urged anyone with information to contact them quoting reference 43250658134.
The community's concerns were heightened after a man in his 20s was stabbed on Giles Road on 11 December, sustaining serious but non-life-threatening injuries. This event left many residents feeling unsafe, prompting the search for alternative crime prevention methods.
Cllr Henwood now hopes the distinctive "lovely sound" of the hyōshigi will not only deter crime in Littlemore but also inspire other communities across the UK to consider this ancient, community-focused approach to modern safety challenges.
