There have been a few changes within our neighbourhood policing teams recently, so I’d like to begin this month’s update by recognising some familiar faces who are moving on and welcoming one back to Gedling.
Firstly, I would like to thank Sergeant Zoe Connellan, who is leaving the Gedling North Neighbourhood Policing Team to take up a new role elsewhere within Nottinghamshire Police.
Although Zoe’s time with the team has been relatively brief, she has made a valuable contribution, building strong relationships with colleagues, partner organisations and residents while helping us tackle the issues that matter locally.
I wish her every success in her new role.
Taking her place is Sergeant Andy Clarke, who is no stranger to Gedling.
Andy previously worked within Gedling Neighbourhood Policing before spending the past few years as a Custody Sergeant. He returns with a wealth of policing experience, excellent local knowledge and, importantly, a real passion for neighbourhood policing.
We’re delighted to welcome him back to the borough.
We have also recently said goodbye to PC Mark Szeremeta, who has retired after more than 30 years with Nottinghamshire Police.
Mark has served in Gedling since 2007, working as both a Response and Neighbourhood Officer, and became a familiar and highly respected figure across the borough.
His commitment to Burton Joyce and the surrounding villages in particular will be greatly missed. I’d like to thank Mark for his outstanding service and wish him a very long and happy retirement.
Our policing priorities
Our neighbourhood policing priorities for October to December remain focused on three areas:
- Acquisitive crime, including burglary, robbery, shoplifting and theft
- Vehicle nuisance, including speeding, car cruising and the illegal use of e-bikes, electric scooters and off-road bikes
- Drugs, particularly possession, supply and cannabis cultivation
Burglary and vehicle crime continue to fall
I’m pleased to report that the reductions in acquisitive crime highlighted in previous updates continued during October.
A number of burglary suspects have been arrested, charged and remanded following sustained enforcement activity.
Business burglary fell by more than 65% in August, followed by a further 50% reduction in September and another 50% during October.
We have also seen residential burglary fall by 75% during October, with just four offences recorded.
Vehicle crime decreased by a further 45% during the month, while robbery offences have returned to more stable levels following extensive investigation work.
We won’t become complacent. Officers will continue targeting prolific offenders, disrupting criminal activity and carrying out proactive patrols in hotspot areas.
Tackling vehicle nuisance
Vehicle nuisance continues to be raised with us by residents and remains one of our neighbourhood policing priorities.
Recorded anti-social behaviour fell by 36.4% during September and by a further 3% in October, reflecting the continuing work between police and our partner organisations.
The recently extended Public Space Protection Order continues to be used to tackle car cruising and other vehicle-related nuisance.
I would encourage residents to keep reporting incidents through 101 or Gedling Borough Council. Those reports help us build a clearer picture of where problems are occurring and allow resources to be targeted accordingly.
We also continue to receive reports concerning the illegal use of e-bikes and off-road motorcycles.
Targeted operations remain in place in both urban and rural parts of the borough, with vehicles being seized and offenders prosecuted where appropriate.
Drugs
Tackling drug-related crime, particularly the supply of controlled drugs, remains an important priority.
During October, officers carried out proactive operations targeting people suspected of involvement in drug supply.
An increase in recorded offences might initially appear concerning. However, in the case of drug supply, it can also reflect proactive policing identifying offences and offenders that might otherwise have remained hidden.
Over the coming months, our focus will remain firmly on those individuals causing the greatest harm within our communities.
Out and about in our communities
Finally, you’ll be seeing plenty of our neighbourhood officers and PCSOs around Gedling over the coming weeks.
Officers will be attending Remembrance events across the borough as communities come together to remember those who have served and sacrificed for our country.
As we head towards Christmas, our teams will also be attending festive markets, Christmas light switch-ons and other community events.
If you see us, please come over and say hello.
These events are a valuable opportunity to meet your local policing team, tell us about concerns in your neighbourhood and pick up crime prevention advice.
