Oxford City Farm, a community-led urban farm at the heart of East Oxford, suffered a serious break-in on Saturday night. Three storage areas, including sheds and storage containers, were forcibly entered, and approximately £2,200 of pork (120kg) was stolen. The meat was from two pigs carefully reared over the summer by the farm’s dedicated volunteers and staff.
The Farm is relieved to confirm that no staff or volunteers were harmed during the incident. Thames Valley Police have been notified and are investigating.
“Our team and volunteers are deeply upset and angered by this event,” said Nicole Titera, Oxford City Farm’s lead. “The loss is not only financial, the stolen pork represents months of committed care, learning, and community effort. The meat was intended to be shared in a way that reflects the values of the farm and support its work. To have that taken from us is heart-breaking.”
“This whole thing is deeply saddening. The volunteers who spent their own time caring for these animals have had it all go to waste,” shared David Kelly, one of the Oxford City Farm volunteers.
As a charity that relies on donations, fundraising, and the sale of produce to sustain its educational and community work, the financial impact of the theft is significant. Anyone wishing to support the farm can make a donation via the Oxford City Farm website at www.oxfordcityfarm.org.uk.
Oxford City Farm urges anyone with information about the incident to contact Thames Valley Police.
Oxford City Farm is a small, community-run charity that connects people with food, farming and nature through free and low-cost activities, school visits and volunteer days. Income from produce and fundraising helps to pay for those programmes. The charity says the theft has left a significant hole in its budget at a busy time of year.
What happened
- Break-in: Three storage areas (sheds and containers) were forcibly entered.
- What was taken: Around 120kg of pork (two pigs) carefully reared by the farm team and volunteers.
- Injury status: No injuries reported.
- Police: Thames Valley Police investigating; anyone with information is urged to get in touch.
How you can help
- Donate: Support the farm’s work at oxfordcityfarm.org.uk
- Share information: If you saw anything suspicious or have CCTV/dashcam from the area, contact Thames Valley Police on 101 or report online.
- Spread the word: Share the farm’s appeal across local groups and networks.
- Volunteer: The farm welcomes new volunteers, details on their website.
