Gedling neighbourhood policing team’s Inspector Steve King has provided an update on how they have progressed on tackling crime across the borough during February…
Following our April review, and drawing on community input, crime and incident data, partner feedback, and PCC and Neighbourhood Alert surveys – our local priorities will remain unchanged for this quarter. These will be acquisitive crime (burglary, robbery, shoplifting and theft), anti-social behaviour (including behavioural, motorcycle, speeding, begging) and drugs (possession, supply and cannabis cultivation). We’ve made solid progress across all three areas, but sustained focus is key to long term improvements. Here’s my update on progress last month.
ACQUISITIVE CRIME: Our operations; Op Descent 2 and Op Shifted, continue to deliver positive results in tackling shop theft. Several recent arrests have been made, and we’re making proactive use of Criminal Behaviour Orders for the most persistent offenders.
We’ve also launched Business Action Groups, bringing together local businesses and partners to improve relationships, share intelligence, and work collectively to reduce offending.
Although theft offences rose slightly last month, this aligns with seasonal trends. Overall, theft remains lower than this time last year, but because Gedling typically experiences low volumes, even small fluctuations can appear more significant in the data.
ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR: ASB calls increased modestly through March – something we anticipated with lighter evenings and better weather. Our teams have been making effective use of dispersal powers where appropriate, allowing officers to remove individuals from an area to prevent disorder before it escalates.
We’ve also issued a number of Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs) to young people involved in low level ASB. These agreements set clear boundaries and include an escalation process if they are breached.
Additionally, we continue to refer young offenders into the Immediate Justice programme, which requires them to carry out reparative community work such as litter picking. This scheme is proving highly effective in reducing repeat offending – and I’m pleased to say Gedling is currently the highest referring area in Nottinghamshire.
With Easter holidays and brighter evenings upon us, it’s a good time for parents and carers to check in on where their children are and what they’re doing when out and about. No one wants a visit from officers returning a child home due to unacceptable behaviour.
DRUGS: Drug enforcement remains a priority, and our teams across Gedling borough continue to achieve strong results. Our message to anyone involved in drug dealing is clear: we are actively targeting you, and if this activity continues, it’s only a matter of time before we’re knocking – possibly forcefully – on your door.
