Thousands of pounds worth of items have been stolen from the Oxford Union buildings.
Richard Mitchell, aged 36, of Luther Street, Oxford, and Marrion Cobraretti, aged 38, of Toot Hill Butts, Oxford, were both charged with one count of burglary non-dwelling following the break-in at the Union.Â
The items allegedly stolen last Friday include an Apple Mac laptop, a Samsung digital camera, a Canon SLR camera, a Canon camera lens and a Rode video microphone.Â
A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police commented, “The items are not listed as being recovered, but that doesn’t mean they haven’t been – any details like that will come out in court.”Â
In response to the break-in, Lauren Pringle, President of the Oxford Union, told Cherwell, “The Oxford Union is a high profile institution, and as such will always be a target for thieves. The introduction of the gate on St Michael’s St has greatly improved security, and extensive CCTV acts as a further deterrent, but nevertheless tactics such ‘tailgating’ remain a potential issue.”Â
She also encouraged members to be “vigilant” and to “report any matters arousing suspicion to a member of staff.”
When asked to whom the stolen items belonged, and whether or not there were plans to increase security at the Union, Pringle stated, “The Oxford Union cannot comment on a matter currently in the hands of the police. The Oxford Union wishes to state only that it is satisfied that all aspects of its security policy were properly followed in this instance, and is pleased that, following full cooperation with the police, the CCTV footage obtained has led to two arrests.”
Caspar Bullock, a first year student at LMH, commented, “As encouraging as it is to hear of the improvements the Union is making to its security arrangements, if problems such as tailgating remain an issue, surely a turnstile, rather than a card-reading gate, would have been a better idea?”
A second year student stated, “It seems a shame that the new security measures in place at the entrance to the Union do not seem to be having the desired effect.”
Physics and philosophy student at University College, George King, added, “The cost of union membership is itself daylight robbery. With all that money you’d think they could keep the place secure.”
Mitchell was additionally charged in relation to a burglary at a house in St Bernards Road, Oxford, between 7th and 8th January, where war medals, mobile phones and alcohol were stolen.
The accused will both appear at Oxford Magistrates’ Court on 1 May.Â
Thousands of pounds worth of items have been stolen from the Oxford Union buildings.
Richard Mitchell, aged 36, of Luther Street, Oxford, and Marrion Cobraretti, aged 38, of Toot Hill Butts, Oxford, were both charged with one count of burglary non-dwelling following the break-in at the Union.Â
The items allegedly stolen last Friday include an Apple Mac laptop, a Samsung digital camera, a Canon SLR camera, a Canon camera lens and a Rode video microphone.Â
A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police commented, “The items are not listed as being recovered, but that doesn’t mean they haven’t been – any details like that will come out in court.”Â
In response to the break-in, Lauren Pringle, President of the Oxford Union, told Cherwell, “The Oxford Union is a high profile institution, and as such will always be a target for thieves. The introduction of the gate on St Michael’s St has greatly improved security, and extensive CCTV acts as a further deterrent, but nevertheless tactics such ‘tailgating’ remain a potential issue.”Â
She also encouraged members to be “vigilant” and to “report any matters arousing suspicion to a member of staff.”
When asked to whom the stolen items belonged, and whether or not there were plans to increase security at the Union, Pringle stated, “The Oxford Union cannot comment on a matter currently in the hands of the police. The Oxford Union wishes to state only that it is satisfied that all aspects of its security policy were properly followed in this instance, and is pleased that, following full cooperation with the police, the CCTV footage obtained has led to two arrests.”
Caspar Bullock, a first year student at LMH, commented, “As encouraging as it is to hear of the improvements the Union is making to its security arrangements, if problems such as tailgating remain an issue, surely a turnstile, rather than a card-reading gate, would have been a better idea?”
A second year student stated, “It seems a shame that the new security measures in place at the entrance to the Union do not seem to be having the desired effect.”
Physics and philosophy student at University College, George King, added, “The cost of union membership is itself daylight robbery. With all that money you’d think they could keep the place secure.”
Mitchell was additionally charged in relation to a burglary at a house in St Bernards Road, Oxford, between 7th and 8th January, where war medals, mobile phones and alcohol were stolen.
The accused will both appear at Oxford Magistrates’ Court on 1 May.Â
