A 17-year-old boy has been arrested after police recovered a machete and cannabis following reports of shop theft and anti-social behaviour in Nottingham city centre.
Police said a group of young people entered JD Sports in Clumber Street just after 4pm on Tuesday 2 June, where they caused problems for staff and items were stolen from the store.
Officers, working alongside My Local Bobby patrols attended the area.
Following a foot chase, a 17-year-old boy was stopped near the Victoria Centre. Police said a search found a machete and a quantity of cannabis.
He was arrested on suspicion of carrying a bladed article in a public place and possession of a Class B drug, and was taken into custody.
A 16-year-old boy was later arrested in connection with the reported shop theft at JD Sports.
The arrests were made as part of Operation Reclaim, a partnership operation aimed at tackling issues in Nottingham city centre including youth anti-social behaviour, drug dealing and weapon carrying.
Police said officers have created a watchlist of more than 20 young people believed to be causing the most problems in the city centre. Some are subject to banning orders with conditions including not entering the city centre or wearing face coverings.
The force said parents or guardians could face Community Protection Notices if behaviour continues. Breaching a Community Protection Notice is a criminal offence and can lead to court fines. Police said civil orders may also be pursued in some cases.
Sergeant Cai Kemish, who leads the operation to tackle youth anti-social behaviour in the city centre, said: “Op Reclaim is already proving that partnership working is paying dividends when it comes to targeting those who are causing the most harm to our city.
“Our retail community have had enough of your disgraceful behaviour. Hard-working staff should not have to come to work and be subjected to this level of abuse.
“There is absolutely no justification for carrying a machete in the city centre.
“Thankfully, we have removed this dangerous weapon from the streets. We are now working hard to remove this individual from the city centre so he can cause no further problems for our local community.”
