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Police make video appeal after sentimental jewellery taken during break-in at Mapperley home

Officers investigating a burglary in Mapperley have released a short CCTV clip of a man they want to identify.

That’s after a selection of valuable and sentimental jewellery was stolen from within a house in Mapperley.

Intruders broke into the Blenheim Avenue-based property through the back door before helping themselves to items.

The break-in happened sometime between 11.15am and 1.15pm on October 9, with police exhausting all available lines of inquiry since then.

@gedlingeye Police have launched a CCTV video appeal following a burglary in Mapperley #crime #notts #nottingham #cctv #fyp #foryou ♬ original sound – GedlingEye
Intruders broke into the Blenheim Avenue-based property through the back door

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Officers have now elected to release moving images of someone they’d like to speak to in connection with their investigation.

Detective Constable Jessica Roffe, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: eim “We have some questions we’d like to ask this man, so would appreciate it if anyone that recognises him lets us know.

“Likewise, if you’re the person in this clip and see this appeal, we’d ask that you do the right thing and make yourself known to the police, as we believe you could assist our inquiries.

“The victims were understandably left distressed by what happened, as they lost jewellery of a sentimental nature in this burglary, so we’d really like to be able to return this to them.

“If anyone has any information, this can be reported to the police on 101, quoting incident 340 of 9 October 2024, while Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously by phoning 0800 555 111.”

Gedling Safer Streets initiative sees crime reduction in number of areas – latest figures

A Home Office Safer Streets programme has led to a drop in crime in parts of Gedling borough, according to recent figures.

Enhanced safety measures have led to a 57% fall in personal robbery in Woodthorpe in Gedling.

There has also been a 18% reduction in vehicle crime thanks to the installation of new CCTV cameras and ongoing work by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire, Nottinghamshire Police and partners to make the area a safer and even more welcoming place.

The crime reductions were over the last 12 months from April 2024 when the project started, compared to the previous three-year average.

Furthermore, statistics have shown a 57% reduction in bicycle theft and a 21% drop in public disorder offences.

Funded by the Home Office’s Safer Streets programme and coordinated by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire, the project has focused on reducing crime, antisocial behaviour, and violence against women and girls through a range of measures.

Visitors to Arnot Hill Park – a Green Flag accredited park which attracts hundreds of visitors daily – are now benefitting from the upgrades to all Victorian style lighting within the park, which vastly improves visibility in the evenings.

Environmental improvements have taken place to trim back overgrowth and increase visibility for existing CCTV cameras in the park to reduce blind-spots which could have led to an increase in antisocial behaviour.

Furthermore, cyclists visiting the park have taken advantage of new bicycle lockers which allow them to safety secure their bikes whilst visiting the park using a dedicated locker, greatly reducing the risk of bicycle thefts in the area.

Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden said: “The Safer Streets project in Gedling has had a really positive impact, bringing visible improvements to popular areas such as Arnot Hill Park.

“The new lighting and CCTV cameras have vastly improved feelings of safety for locals, while helping to reduce rates of crime.

“Partnership working and targeted investment has been key to improving areas in Gedling as we continue to strive to make Nottinghamshire a safer place for all.”

Gill Elliot, a regular visitor to Arnot Hill Park, praised the new safety interventions.

She said: “I just love it here. It’s a place my late husband and I used to adore coming. I feel safe at the park, and I wouldn’t come if I didn’t. It’s just a brilliant place to be.”

As well as being a popular local hotspot, Arnot Hill Park is also home to Gedling Borough Council offices.

Laura Chaplin, Legal Services Manager and Data Protection Officer at Gedling Borough Council, said: “As a regular user of the car parks surrounding Arnot Hill House the improvements to the lighting can only be seen as having a positive impact, by assisting in deterring criminal activity, helping people to feel more secure and reducing the risk of accidents.”

This was in the 12 months from October 2022 when the project started, compared to the previous three-year average.

Sergeant Alison Riley, of the Gedling neighbourhood policing team, said: “Arnot Hill Park is a very popular local green space so it is pleasing to hear it has become an even safer and more pleasant place to visit.

“Antisocial behaviour is a priority for our team as we understand the impact it can have on our communities.

“Any reduction in these offences across Gedling is to be welcomed and shows this raft of new safety measures, as well as our team’s efforts on patrol, is making real improvements to people’s lives.”

Cllr David Ellis, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection at Gedling Borough Council said: “These results show just how effective targeted investment and partnership working can be in tackling crime and antisocial behaviour.

“The improvements in Arnot Hill Park and surrounding areas are making a real difference to residents’ lives, helping people feel safer and more confident in their communities”.

The previous round of Safer Streets funding which benefitted the Gedling Borough was utilised in Netherfield and Colwick and saw patrols by street wardens, a new Shop Watch radio scheme, CCTV and free home security devices.

This combined with the ongoing work by Nottinghamshire Police and Gedling Borough Council and led to house burglary in the area decrease by 57% and vehicle crime by 67%.

To report antisocial behaviour in your neighbourhood, call Nottinghamshire Police on 101

Asda announces it will be scrapping Blue Light Card discount

Asda has announced it plans to scrap its 5% Blue Light Card discount for emergency workers, NHS staff, teachers and members of the armed forces later this month. 

The supermarket giant said it was cutting the benefit so it can shift its focus ‘to provide all customers with value’. 

The Blue Light Card scheme was first introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Coppice Lodge
The scheme offered a s% discount tp key workers

The scheme will officially end on May 31, 2025. 

The 5% discount, which applies to fresh food, bakery items, dairy products and fruit juice, was the only one of its kind offered by a major UK supermarket.

It has been in place since 2020 and was most recently integrated into the Asda Rewards app in 2023, removing the need for eligible customers to show their Blue Light Card at checkout.

An Asda spokesperson said: “Our focus now is on providing all our customers with outstanding value every time they visit our stores or shop with us online.”

The latest moves comes amid the supermarket chain’s attempt to double down on a value-for-all position, with the aim of restoring its competitive edge in a tight market.

Earlier this year, the grocery retailer brough back its Rollback pricing proposition, under returning boss Allan Leighton.

Arnold care home submits plans for 22-room extension

Plans to expand an Arnold care home have been submitted to Gedling Borough Council.

Manor Residential care home, on Church Street, has made an application to create an extension that would see 22 bedrooms added

The latest planning application was submitted to Gedling Borough Council on Wednesday, April 23.

The application reads:The proposed extension to existing residential care home will create additional private rooms alongside communal spaces, with associated external works.

“The proposed development would deliver 22 additional en-suite bedrooms within the proposed extension, across three storeys, Communal and service areas would be delivered across the ground and lower ground floors.

“The proposed development would re-open an existing second access point to the site, to create an ‘in-and-out’ system for vehicles.

“The overall objective of the scheme is to expand and improve on the existing care home accommodation via a high-quality extension, in a sustainable location which is not subject to any specific constraints or designations.”

You can read the full application HERE

Police officer fired after misconduct hearing finds he strangled 16-year-old Arnold girl in back of car to restrain her

A police officer who used “excessive force” to restrain a teenage girl in Arnold has been sacked.

PC Kevin Markowski faced a gross misconduct hearing at Force HQ in Sherwood Lodge which ended today (15).

The hearing heard how the officer and his colleague attended an incident in Arnold just before 8pm on August 24, 2022.

The incident involved a 16-year-old girl who was shouting and swearing in in Front Street, and allegedly threatened to ‘bang someone out’.  

The officer approached the girl and asked her to stop shouting and swearing before grabbing hold of her arm and leading her towards the police car.

The hearing then heard the officer banged her head on the police vehicle causing injury and put his hands on her throat area on two occasions when restraining her in the back of the police vehicle.

It was said the force used was “unnecessary and disproportionate.”

The girl was then driven to her mum’s address and is later de-arrested for breach of the peace.

PC Markowski was also described as “disrespectful and discourteous” when he refused to provide a concerned member of the public with his collar number.

Throughout the hearing, the officer said that the force he used throughout was necessary, reasonable and proportionate.

He said that his hands were on the top of her chest and not her throat area and that he did not believe he was restricting her breathing.

The two-day hearing was chaired by Temporary Deputy Chief Constable, Rob Griffin, and two independent panel members.

The panel dismissed PC Markowski’s assertions and found he had breached the following standards of professional behaviour: duties and responsibilities, authority, respect and courtesy, use of force and discreditable conduct.

He was dismissed from the force without notice and placed on the police barred list.

Following the hearing, Mr Griffin said: “In this case the panel found that PC Markowski’s actions were unnecessary and disproportionate and that his dismissal is necessary for maintaining public trust and confidence in policing.

“The vast majority of our employees maintain the highest possible professional standards which makes it all the more important we address instances where an individual’s behaviour has fallen short of these expectations.”

Gedling borough’s latest petrol and diesel prices – and where’s the cheapest to fill up

Gedling Eye has compiled a list of the cheapest petrol pumps in Gedling borough. The data is sourced from PetrolPrices.com, which covers major service stations including brands like BP, Shell, and Texaco as well as supermarkets, smaller chains and independent stations.

The website combines price data from Catalist with its own crowdsource data, which comes from website users and forecourt owners. The site says it hopes to have “the most up to date and reliable price data across the industry”.

The UK’s average fuel price is 133.02p per litre for Unleaded and 139.33p per litre for diesel, according to data from RAC

The following prices were reported locally on 14/05/25

Here are the latest prices from across the borough…

UNLEADED…

Arnold

Sainsbury’s Arnold – 125.9p

Asda Arnold – 125.7p (CHEAPEST)

BP Daybrook (Mansfield Road) – 129.9p

Esso Maid Marion (Mansfield Road) – 129.9p

Carlton

Texaco Burton Road – 132.9p

Shell Carlton Square – 133.9p

Texaco Westdale Lane (East Lane Service Station) – 132.9p

Petrol_pump

Colwick

Sainsbury’s Colwick – 129.9p

Lambley

Lambley Motors – N/A

Mapperley

Asda Express Mapperley – 130.7p

Netherfield

Morrisons – 129.7p

DIESEL…

Arnold

Sainsbury’s Arnold 132.9p

Asda Arnold – 132.7p (CHEAPEST)

BP Daybrook – 136.9p

Esso Maid Marion (Mansfield Road) – 135.9p

Carlton

Texaco Burton Road – 137.9p

Shell Carlton Square – 139.9p

Texaco Westdale Lane (East Lane Service Station) – 139.9p

Colwick

Sainsbury’s Colwick – 135.9p

Lambley

Lambley Motors –

Mapperley

Asda Mapperley – 136.7p

Netherfield

Morrisons – 135.7p

“WATCH OUT BALSAM – WE’RE COMING FOR YOU”: Volunteers sought to destroy invasive plant and help protect wildlife along Ouse Dyke

Volunteers are being sought to help clear a destructive species of plant from a Gedling waterway to help protect wildlife.

Himalayan balsam, a non-native species, outcompetes native plants on riverbanks, reducing biodiversity and reduces the food that attracts some of the birds to the area.

Each year the Gedling Conservation Trust runs a campaign to eradicate Himalayan balsam from Ouse Dyke, which runs beside the Netherfield Lagoons Local Nature Reserve and historically has attracted kingfishers and herons to fish in it.

The Trust are now helping people will come forward to help with this year’s campaign.

Balsam_bash_volunteers
Volunteers on a previous campaign to remove balsam from Ouse Dyke

The chair of the Trust , Mark Glover said: “Last year’s clearance was a huge success but the work now need to go on – to build upon previous work.

“This year’s balsam plants are beginning to grow, but the plants are small and easily pulled out.

“Last year we managed to clear some 650 metres of balsam down stream from Teal Close and there is very little evidence of plants growing along this stretch. This a major achievement and the transformation to the bankside vegetation is dramatic – allowing native species to thrive.

“So this year we want to continue with the work, pushing further on down stream towards the river Trent.”

The dates and times of this year’s sessions are as follows:

Friday, May 16th at 10.00 am and 2.30 pm
Wednesday, May 21st, at 10.00 am
Friday, May 23rd  at 10.00 am and 2.30 pm
Friday, May 30th  at 10.00 am and 2.30 pm
Friday, June 6th  at 10.00 am and 2.30 pm
Friday, June 13th at 10.00 am and 2.30 pm
Wednesday, June 18th at 10.00 am
Friday, June 20th at 10.00 am and 2.30 pm
Friday, June 27th at 10.00 am and 2.30 pm
Wednesday, July 2nd  at 10.00 am
Friday, July 4th at 10.00 am and 2.30 pm
Friday, July 11th at 10.00 am and 2.30 pm
Wednesday, July 16th at 10.00 am
Friday, July 18th at 10.00 am and 2.30 pm
Wednesday, July 30th at 10.00 am

Thos wanting to take part should meet at the end of Teal Close:

People wanting more information can call the Trust on 07850 768337 for more information.

Suspect charged after boiler burglary spree on Gedling new-build estate

A suspect has been charged after half a dozen boilers were stolen from a new-build estate in Gedling.

The appliances were ripped out and taken from six empty properties in Harviston Avenue during a series of overnight burglaries.

New boilers had been fitted inside the neighbouring buildings days before the burglaries happened, between March 6 and 7.

Workers arrived at the site the next morning to find the appliances missing and damage to the properties that amounted to around £10,000 worth of costs.

Nicanor Dostea attended Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Monday (PHOTO: Gedling Eye)

Nicanor Dostea, 25, was identified as a suspect and has since been charged with six counts of burglary.

Dostea, of Pitstone Road, Northampton, attended Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Monday (12), where he was bailed with strict conditions ahead of his next appearance at the same court on October 21.

Detective Sergeant Elina Falcon, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Commercial burglaries like this one can have a hugely detrimental impact on the livelihoods of the people who work for these businesses.

“Six brand new boilers were taken from empty properties on this new build estate, with the cost of this and the damage caused during these break-ins totalling thousands of pounds.

“For obvious reasons, this type of behaviour is completely unacceptable, so we will always look to do everything in our power as an investigative team to bring anyone suspected of being involved before the courts.”

How to set up a successful private dental practice

Do you ever wish you could step away from your current role and focus on building a business you can be proud to call your own?

Private dentistry is a booming industry right across the area and is one that is constantly in demand and looking to attract new entrants. 

Whether you are a dental professional looking to take the next step, or a budding businessperson looking to own and manage a group of practices, this guide is essential reading. We’re going to talk you through everything you need to know to make the right decisions, launch your business, and secure a constant stream of new patients who are ready to pay for your services. 

Let’s dive into the details for a closer look! 

Create a business plan

Your business plan is what will define your goals, what you want to achieve, and how you are going to do it. Having it to refer back to at a later date will be priceless because it will allow you to hold yourself to account. When new businesses are in their launch phase, mission creep is a real problem. Your business plan will keep you focused and make sure you remain on track. 

Secure financing

Business loans, government grants, personal finance agreements, and even support from other businesses you may be involved in are all viable options. Taking your time to work through each avenue that’s open to you will allow you to assess your options and make the right decision for the future of your new practice. 

Start budgeting 

Every successful dental practice needs to have a clearly defined operating budget so that you know how you’re going to operate. Staff wages, business rates, utilities, equipment and maintenance, rent and leasing payments, and insurance all need to be included. Laying everything out in a single central document will make things so much clearer. 

Select a prime location

Launching a new private practice in a remote and secluded location just isn’t going to work, no matter how idyllic you may find the surroundings. Pick somewhere that is prominent, highly visible, and easily accessible in your catchment area. The easier you make it for people to know you’re there and then get to you when they need to, the more people are going to sign up and register with you. 

Build a skilled team 

Dentists, hygienists, junior assistants, cleaners, and receptionists all need to buy into your vision as the practice manager. If you prefer to be a silent partner and leave the day-to-day operations to someone else, hiring a skilled and experienced practice manager is the way to go. Conducting interviews early on in your planning process will help you secure top talent without delay. 

Deploy efficient systems

Systems are about so much more than bureaucracy and red tape — they’re there to make sure that everything runs smoothly with minimal intervention on your part. One of the key areas to look into is supplier systems, with trusted national names like Kent Express proving popular with private practices right across the country. Being able to get everything you need from a single point of contact can make all the difference. 

Develop marketing strategies

Telling the local community that you’re open for business and ready and willing to help them is what marketing your practice is all about. You want to come across as professional, personable, and ready to help people enjoy improved quality of life. This is also the point at which you may decide to offer cost-effective plans for individuals and families. The more attractive the offer, the more new patients it will get you. 

Reels of Fortune: How to choose the right online slots for you

You click “spin,” and the reels start to blur—colors flashing, music playing, the thrill building. That’s the rush of a great online slot game. But here’s the thing: not every slot is worth your time. Some are just eye candy with terrible payouts, while others look basic but are loaded with smart features and solid returns.

So how do you pick the good ones? Whether you’re chasing a jackpot or just want something fun to play on your lunch break, this guide will help you make sense of it all—without any tech jargon or empty hype.

From themes and payout stats to volatility and bonus features, we’re breaking it down. And yes, checking a slot RTP list early on can save you from wasting time (and money) on games that just don’t deliver.

Screenshot

Start With the Vibe: Theme Really Does Matter

Let’s be honest: if a game looks boring, you’re not going to enjoy it—even if the payouts are decent. Online slots come in just about every theme you can imagine—mythical gods, space pirates, jungle treasure hunts, even baking shows.

The cool part? You don’t have to settle. If you’re into ancient Egypt or heavy metal, chances are there’s a slot that speaks your language. Playing something that looks and sounds great makes the whole experience more immersive, which is especially nice if you’re playing for more than a few minutes.

Tip: Try a few free-play versions before betting anything. You’ll figure out quickly what keeps your attention—and what doesn’t.

What’s RTP and Why Should You Care?

Return to Player (RTP) is one of those stats that’s easy to overlook—but shouldn’t be. It tells you, in percentage terms, how much a slot pays back to players over time. So, a 97% RTP means that for every £100 wagered, the game pays out about £97 on average.

Now, that’s not a promise. It’s a long-term average. But it’s still a good sign of whether a game gives decent value. Many of the most popular slots fall between 95% and 98%, and anything lower than that? Probably not worth your time.

Instead of guessing, scan a trusted slot RTP list and see how your favorite games stack up. It’s an easy way to avoid slots that just take and take.

Volatility: The Slot’s Personality

Some slots are like steady friends—you hang out often, and while things don’t get too wild, you know what you’re getting. Others are more like rollercoasters—quiet for a while, then suddenly intense.

That’s volatility in action.

  • Low volatility games pay out smaller wins more often. Great for casual sessions.
  • High volatility games are all about big, rare wins. Better if you’ve got patience—and budget.
  • Medium volatility sits somewhere in between.

Think about what kind of ride you’re up for. If you want steady entertainment, go low. If you’re feeling bold and okay with dry spells, go high. There’s no right answer—just the right fit for your mood and mindset.

Bonus Features: More Than Just a Gimmick

Free spins, wild symbols, mystery multipliers, bonus rounds—slots are packed with extras. And these aren’t just gimmicks. They’re usually where the biggest wins come from.

Here’s what to look for:

  • Free spins: More chances to win, often with boosted features.
  • Wilds: These help complete winning combos—always a good thing.
  • Multipliers: Double, triple, or even 10x your win? Yes, please.
  • Interactive bonus rounds: These are fun and often high-paying. Think “pick a box” games or mini-challenges.

A game might have a solid RTP and fun theme, but it’s the bonus features that take it to the next level. Make sure to click the “info” or “rules” tab before playing—it’ll show you what features are in play and how to trigger them.

Budget Check: Are You Playing Smart?

This part’s not flashy, but it’s essential. Know your budget before you start playing. Not just how much you can spend, but how much you’re comfortable losing without stress.

Adjust your bet size to match your bankroll. Most slots let you pick how much to bet per line, or total. If you’ve got £50 and bet £5 per spin, you’ve got ten spins and then… nada. Drop it to £1, and you’ve got fifty chances.

Also: set a win limit and a loss limit. If you’re up, great—walk away and enjoy it. If you’re down, it’s okay. There’s always next time. This keeps the fun in, and the regrets out.

Use Free Play—Seriously

Before spending anything, play the demo version if it’s available. It’s the best way to test drive a slot:

  • Like the look?
  • Does it pay semi-regularly?
  • Are the bonus features actually fun?

You’ll know fast if it’s a game you want to stick with or ditch. Plus, you’ll avoid the “one spin and I hate this” feeling after betting real money.

Read the Reviews, Not Just the Ads

Those slick promo banners? They don’t tell you much. But real player reviews and expert write-ups? Gold. You’ll get the unfiltered stuff—like whether a game actually pays or if the bonus round is harder to trigger than a solar eclipse.

Look for sites that break down:

  • RTP and volatility.
  • Bonus frequency.
  • Device performance (some games are better on desktop, others on mobile).
  • Overall user ratings.

Even better? They often link directly to the game’s provider page or demo, so you can try it right away.

Game Providers Matter—Some Are Just Better

There are dozens of slot developers out there, but a few names consistently put out polished, reliable, and fair games.

Some names to remember:

  • NetEnt (known for slick design and strong features)
  • Play’n GO (great mix of fun and payouts)
  • Microgaming (one of the originals, still solid)
  • Pragmatic Play (tons of variety)

If a game is made by one of these, you’re usually in good hands. Unknown developer? That doesn’t mean it’s bad—but do a quick search before betting anything.

Stick With Licensed Casinos

This one’s non-negotiable. Always play through a properly licensed online casino. A license from the UK Gambling Commission, the Malta Gaming Authority, or another legit body means the games are tested, the payouts are audited, and your money’s protected.

Shady sites might look fine on the surface, but they can mess with payout settings or just not pay at all. A good game on a bad site is still a bad experience.

Check the footer of the site for license info—or just Google the brand if you’re unsure. A five-second search can save you a headache later.

Don’t Chase—Just Enjoy the Ride

We’ve all been there. One big loss, and suddenly you’re clicking faster, hoping to make it back. That’s where trouble starts.

Slots should be fun. The wins are sweet, but the goal is entertainment. Know when to log off, whether you’re up or down. Most reputable casinos offer tools like spend limits and reminders to help you stay in control.

If it stops being fun? Step away. It’s that simple.

Final Thoughts

Picking the right online slot isn’t about getting lucky—it’s about making smart choices upfront. When you play a game that matches your interests, risk level, and budget, everything just clicks.

So take a few extra minutes before you spin. Look up the RTP, read the rules, and maybe try a free version first. That way, whether you hit a big win or just have a fun time spinning, you’ll know you made the right choice.