Gedling police officers have a bold message for criminals: ‘If you set out to commit crime, we will work to put a stop to it.’
The message comes after a local team of special constables took part in a night of action to crackdown on crime in the borough.
The police team carried out a number of pro-active patrols earlier in the week across the borough and stopped dozens of motorists they suspected of committing road traffic offences.
The officers also patrolled known ‘hot spot’ locations, and took ‘robust action’ against those who deliberately chose to commit crime in the borough.
In total, 25 vehicles were stop checked during the evening, of which three were seized for having no insurance.
A disqualified driver also came to the attention of the team, who was subsequently stopped, and his vehicle seized.
The 21-year-old from the West Bridgford area was also interviewed under caution by the officers and will now face prosecution for driving whilst disqualified and having no insurance.
Another motorist was issued with a Traffic Offence Report for not having a valid MOT certificate during the operation, whilst several others were given words of advice and time to fix identified defects including broken headlights, indicators and brake lights.
The team also located a vulnerable 14-year-old during their patrols, who was safely returned to parents after being found more than five miles away from his home address.
Special Sergeant Ashley Wagstaffe, who oversees the work of the volunteer police officers across Gedling, said: “These patrols come following our interactions with the public. We want to tackle issues in our neighbourhoods that affect residents, businesses and visitors the most.
“This includes illegal vehicles, anti-social behaviour and drugs.”
He added: “Often criminals use uninsured vehicles to commit other more serious crimes, and we’re determined to disrupt their criminal endeavours at the earliest opportunity.
“Our message is clear: the residents, local businesses and visitors don’t want criminals operating on their doorsteps, and nor do we.
“We welcome everyone to Gedling, but if you set out to commit crime, we will work to put a stop to it.”
In one incident during the overnight operation, two males were seen acting suspiciously in the Netherfield area.
The team followed their vehicle, which attempted to avoid them, but thanks to the officers’ local knowledge of the area, they quickly located the vehicle and occupants; two males were stop searched, and their vehicle seized – again, for having no insurance – or a driving licence.
During another, a 15-year-old boy was returned home to parents after officers witnessed him committing anti-social behaviour in the Arnold Town Centre area.
