Police officers in Arnold are reassuring residents after an MP raised concerns following a spate of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage in the town centre.
Gedling MP Michael Payne called on police chiefs to act ‘swiftly’ following reports from residents about youths intimidating and threatening members of the public in the town centre as well as smashing car windows and damaging property.
The incidents reportedly all took place on Sunday (28) evening.
Mr Payne said he had been in touch with senior police officers and the county’s police and crime commissioner about the incidents.
Mr Payne said: “Following several reports of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage in and around Arnold town centre over this weekend, I’ve written to the Chief Constable of Nottinghamshire Police and Nottinghamshire’s Police & Crime Commissioner urging a swift, robust, zero-tolerance response to deal with those responsible for this lawless and utterly unacceptable behaviour.”
Mr Payne added: “Arnold is my hometown and I won’t tolerate a loutish minority attempting to intimidate and harass people here or anywhere across the community.”
But in response, local police officers said that there had been ‘minimal calls’ in relation to groups or anti-social behaviour over the weekend.
Neighbourhood Inspector Heather Harding said: “I would like to reassure the local community that we are aware of a group of children who have been reportedly causing anti-social behaviour in the town centre area. We are working with the council to identify the people involved with a view of taking enforcement action where circumstances allow.
“There is currently an operation in place which has allowed me to staff additional patrols in the area to deter incidents, identify offenders and take positive action.
“We have reviewed the incidents that have come in over the weekend and there are minimal calls in relation to groups or anti-social behaviour.
“There is no indication at this time to suggest that it was the same groups but our neighbourhood policing team are working to identify anyone causing problems in the local area and will take positive action wherever possible.
“We would urge residents to please contact us as soon as an incident takes place by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.”
