Inspector Chris Pearson’s latest update on policing activities across Gedling borough during February

Inspector Chris Pearson leads the Gedling Neighbourhood Policing team which helps crack crime across the borough.

Here’s his latest update on progress his team made in February…

Drug Supply

There has been continued activity around drug supply in Gedling borough following
feedback from members of the local community.

In the last month we have carried out 3 x warrants under the Misuse of Drugs Act with colleagues from Operation Reacher and the Neighbourhood Policing team working together to act on concerns.

Drugs have a significant impact on our communities and we will continue to target
those believe it is acceptable to supply controlled drugs.

In early February the Op Reacher team stopped a vehicle on the A60 Mansfield Road resulting in the recovery and seizure of around 140 wraps of Class A controlled drugs along with
Cannabis and Cash. A male was interviewed, charged and remanded in custody.

On February 18, Gedling officers responded to a report of a potential Cannabis
Grow in the Front Street area of Arnold. We acted quickly to ensure the seizure
and destruction of over 250 cannabis plants. Colleagues from our Operational
Support team stopped a vehicle linked to this and recovered further bags of
cannabis destined for the streets. Two males were arrested and the investigation
is ongoing.

We received similar reports of a Cannabis grow at a property on the
A60 Mansfield Road at Redhill. A warrant was executed which resulted in the
recovery of a large number of cannabis plants. Two males were arrested, charged
and remanded in custody to appear at Nottingham Magistrates Court.

Over in Gedling, the Op Reacher team carried out an early morning door knock on
Sunday, February 21 which resulted in two males and a female being arrested on
suspicion of drugs supply offences. Class A and B drugs were recovered along with
a CS Spray which is a prohibited weapon. Following on from this officers searched
another property and recovered cannabis plants.

I want to be clear that drugs have a devastating impact on communities and can
lead to violent crime. Cannabis grows often have bypassed electrics which are
unsafe and are a fire risk to those living in adjoining premises or nearby.

If you have any concerns or information around drug supply then please let us
know by calling 101 or alternatively you can let us know through the
Crimestoppers charity at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/ or by phone on
0800555111.

Burglary

In early February we started an investigation into two burglaries at a clothing
shop on High Street in Arnold. Colleagues from our CID team carried on with
the investigation resulting in two males being arrested on suspicion of
Burglary. Both males remain on police bail whilst the investigation continues.

Over in the Gedling South area we have experienced a number of overnight
shed & garage burglaries which have been in the area around Standhill Road,
Prospect Road and Carlton Hill. We have increased patrols in the area which
are being supported by our Special Constables. Officers have revisited a
number of victims and are reviewing CCTV and Ring Doorbell footage. The
offenders have taken pedal cycles and power tools. I’d appeal for anyone with
any information to contact us on 101 or via Crimestoppers. We are continuing
late evening and overnight patrols in the area.

Speeding

Our focus on Speeding and Road Safety continues with the Op Reacher team
having carried out Speed enforcement activity in Calverton this month. Two
drivers were reported for excessive speed and our colleagues from the Speed
camera vans continue to deploy in Gedling. Alongside this the Op Reacher team
and Neighbourhood teams have continued to seize vehicles that have committed
Road Traffic offences.

On February 2 the Reacher team seized two vehicles in Carlton with one of them being driven by a disqualified driver.

Over in Netherfield a moped was seized on Feb 18 having been ridden in anti-social
manner.

The Reacher team have now seized 57 vehicles and dished out over 100
Traffic Offence Reports to drivers across Gedling.

We are hopeful that the Community Road Safety Scheme will restart later this year with volunteers supporting this work.

Coronavirus

I’ll touch on the COVID restrictions again and I want to thank the majority of
our communities who are following the ongoing government restrictions.

Over the last month additional officers have been on patrol around Gedling borough. Sadly, we
have had to issue a number of fixed penalty notices for significant breaches of
the regulations such as house parties and gatherings.

Officers attended a residential property in Carlton Square on February 14 to find a silent disco had been taking place. An £800 fine was issued to the organiser and an arrest was
made. As always I want our response to be proportionate and in line with the
4E’s approach of (Engage, Explain, Encourage, and Enforce) but this was a
significant breach of the regulations and therefore attracted a fine.

Earlier this month I spoke with local radio where we talked about the reporting of COVID
breaches. Whilst there is light at the end of the tunnel this will still require all
of us to do our part and by the following regulations this will reduce the spread
of COVID19. In terms of reporting then we have received daily reports of
breaches from members of the public and I would always encourage the
reporting of house parties and gatherings which are in breach of the
regulations.

Dog Theft

Finally there has been a national increase in the theft of dogs and this is closely
linked to the illegal breeding of puppies. The UK lockdowns have increased the
demand for puppies and the linked increase in price is now being exploited by
organised criminals.

A short survey has been put together by the Police and Crime Commissioner to obtain public views on this type of crime. The survey can be found at: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6208995/Dog-Theft-Survey and I would encourage you to complete this so that we can raise the profile of this type of offending.