Residents of Oxford have adopted an age-old Japanese technique, involving the rhythmic clapping of sticks, in their quest to curb local crime.

In the Littlemore district, a surge in criminal activity, including tyre slashings, stabbings, and even a shooting, prompted community members to take proactive measures. Their chosen method of deterrence features the use of Hyōshigi, a traditional Japanese instrument.

The Hyōshigi is a simple yet effective tool, composed of two pieces of hardwood or bamboo sometimes linked by a rope. When struck together, these clappers produce a sharp, cracking sound. Historically, this sound has been a staple in Japanese theatres and served as a tool for night-watchmen, signaling their presence to the public and deterring potential offenders.

Local Councillor David Henwood, who represents the area, has joined the effort, patrolling four streets armed with a Hyōshigi. He reports that these neighborhood patrols have already led to a noticeable reduction in crime.

Councillor Henwood, who has a personal connection to Japanese culture through his marriage, is optimistic about the positive impact this initiative is having on the community’s safety and well-being.

Cllr Henwood – who is married to a Japanese woman- said neighbourhood patrols using the devices have already cut crime in the area.

He said: ‘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.

‘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.

Councillor David Henwood, who represents the Littlemore area of Oxford, has been patrolling four roads with a Hyōshigi – a basic musical instrument consisting of two pieces of hardwood or bamboo sometimes connected by rope

The Littlemore area of Oxford was plagued by tyre slashings, stabbing and even a shooting until neighbours like Cllr Henwood started patrolling the streets with Hyōshigi

‘I’ll be using them to encourage residents to stay vigilant, carry out basic checks, and to let them know they are being cared for and watched over.

‘We did it in one time when we had a large spate of bike thefts. It proved very successful.

‘It told the thieves we were in the area and recording things.’

Cllr Henwood lived in Japan for 20 years where he became accustomed to hearing Hyōshigi every evening. 

He added: ‘In front of every house, they would clap these sticks – I didn’t really understand what they were for.

‘It was explained to me that it’s a warning to be vigilant – turn the gas off, make sure the windows are closed, make sure everything’s safe.

‘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.

‘I’d like to bring the sound of Tokyo to Littlemore in Oxford. It’s a lovely sound.’

Cllr Henwood lived in Japan for 20 years where he became accustomed to hearing Hyōshigi every evening

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’

Cllr Henwood said that more and more residents are volunteering to take part in the neighbourhood watch.

He continued: ‘We’ll carry it on during the winter, and who knows, we may be able to carry on in the summer. It’s still early days, but positive so far.

‘I’d love to see it tried in other areas. Hopefully other institutions will pick it up.

‘I want people to feel safer in their own homes. I’m willing to try anything to try and achieve that.

‘If this works and people do feel safer, we’ll continue it. We need to catch this criminal that’s doing all the damage to our vehicles.’  

The new scheme follows a recent stabbing on December 11, after which residents said they did not feel safe.

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

One resident said his children were ‘worried’ about crime and violence is ‘normal’ in the area

‘I never let my kids go outside to play,’ he said.

Another said: ‘Sometimes I do not feel very safe.’

Cllr Henwood said that more and more residents are volunteering to take part in the neighbourhood watch

Hyōshigi is a simple Japanese musical instrument made out two pieces of hardwood often connected by a piece of rope

The area has also seen a number of tyre slashings with Thames Valley Police saying they are aware of ‘multiple reports of criminal damage to motor vehicles on Giles Road, Littlemore’.

A spokesperson for the force said: ‘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 and there is no wider threat to the public. No arrests have been made and enquiries are still ongoing.

‘If you have any information or may have seen this incident, please contact us quoting 43250658134 or call anonymously on 0800 555 111.’