Police in Gedling borough have made 12 arrests in a festive crackdown on retail crime in the area.
Sergeant Alison Riley has taken the reins as the new sergeant for the Gedling Central neighbourhood policing team – which has been recently set up to cover the Arnold area.
The newly formed team has been targeting shoplifters over the busy festive period, as well as catching five wanted people and issuing dispersal orders to tackle various forms of antisocial behaviour.
Four of the 12 arrested shoplifters went on to receive custodial sentences, with others being dealt with through community resolutions.
Sergeant Riley said: “Acquisitive crime, including shoplifting, is one of our priorities across Gedling borough so I was keen to deploy the team in a way which supported our stores and other local businesses during this crucial time of the year, including Christmas and the New Year sales.
“Officers were patrolling in the right place at the right time to catch a number of offenders in the act.
“Dispersal orders are an excellent tool we have been keen to utilise during this busy period so those engaging in antisocial behaviour or other low-level criminality can be moved on.
“We are keen to maintain this progress into the new year and would like to hear from members of the public with concerns in the Arnold neighbourhood.
“I’m hoping people will have seen more officers out and about in Arnold over recent weeks and would urge anyone who wants to raise an issue to approach us for a chat.
“Any issues raised by members of the community will be analysed and appropriate action taken.”
