Burglary, the unlawful use of e-bikes and e-scooters, and rural theft have been named as Rushcliffe’s neighbourhood policing priorities for the next quarter.
In his October update, Rushcliffe Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Tim Cuthbert said the priorities had been refreshed following meetings with Rushcliffe Borough Council and other parties.
He said burglary had fallen considerably overall during the summer, although police were still dealing with a number of linked offences in a couple of areas.
Officers will support investigations and seek opportunities to disrupt criminals operating in Rushcliffe.
The second priority focuses on e-bikes and e-scooters being used unlawfully or in ways that cause antisocial behaviour. Inspector Cuthbert said officers would seek to seize unlawful bikes while working with parents and educating young people to discourage their use.
© westbridgfordwire.com
He said bikes being used unlawfully were often uninsured and unregistered, and could be seized and subsequently destroyed. His update also highlighted potential fire risks associated with charging e-bikes and e-scooters.
Rural theft is the third priority. Although Inspector Cuthbert described rural crime levels as low, he acknowledged the impact offences can have on farming communities and businesses.
Police will work with vulnerable premises and businesses to improve security, strengthen contact with rural communities and encourage the sharing of information to help disrupt offenders.
The update also confirmed the arrival of two experienced officers in the Rushcliffe South team.
PC Luke Whittle has transferred from the City Division and has a particular interest in wildlife and rural crime. He will support neighbourhood policing in the Cotgrave and Leake beat areas.
PCSO Keith Crowhurst joins with neighbourhood policing experience in Gedling and Southwell. He replaces PCSO Ethan Pearsall, who left the team last month to become a police officer with Nottinghamshire Police.
Inspector Cuthbert said the neighbourhood policing team had also supported several enforcement operations, executing search warrants linked to a modern slavery investigation and assisting CID with searches and arrests connected to burglaries and child safeguarding.
A bike-marking event is planned for Saturday 24 October at The Hook, with police supporting Rushcliffe Borough Council. Further details will be shared through police social media channels nearer the time.
