Police have launched an operation to target young people who are ‘blighting the lives of residents’ around Beeston town centre.
Residents have expressed concerns about an increase in anti-social behaviour and criminal damage in the town, including across the tram network.
In response to these reports, additional police officers will be deployed to the hotspot areas to improve the situation.
Officers will take action against any young person who breaks the law, but they will also be able to use dispersal orders to prevent them returning to the area.
Neighbourhood Inspector Mike Ebbins, who covers the Beeston area, said the operation has been launched to ensure residents feel safe and that their concerns are being addressed.
He said: “The area has repeatedly been affected by a small number of groups causing disruption to our residents, businesses, and visitors.
“Appeals have been made for parents to challenge and educate their children over their actions, but the problem still exists.
“I don’t want residents to think we have ignored this problem. We haven’t. We have tried to engage with the young people and work at finding solutions to the problem.
“But enough is enough. There will be a no-nonsense approach and we now have a plan in place to put officers in these locations for an extended period of time.”
Incidents have included the criminal damage of vehicles, abusive and threatening behaviour in the town centre and intimidating people on the tram network.
Areas covered by the police team will be Beeston town centre and the areas around Dovecote Lane and Chilwell Road. The operation will run from October 31 through December.
He added: “Operation Potassium will allow my team to focus on this issue. Officers will target groups causing problems and look for opportunities to take action.
“Dispersal powers will also be in place to move on unwanted groups, and we will work with the council to offer alternative provision for young people.
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“Residents have called for a visible deterrent in Beeston and Operation Potassium will provide this presence and will mean they can be reassured that we are taking their concerns seriously. Beeston is a great place to live, work and visit and we won’t have it spoilt by a small minority.”
Cllr Milan Radulovic, Leader of Broxtowe Borough Council, said: “We have positively and creatively engaged with these young people in Beeston and where that has failed, they need to understand that with freedom comes responsibility.
“Residents have been asking for this. They feel intimidated and have real concerns.
“If these young people continue to act in a way that threatens and intimidates people, we will not fail in our endeavours to make sure they comply with the law.”
Julian Smedley, NET Operations Manager, added: “We are pleased to support this latest initiative, as NET shares Nottinghamshire Police’s commitment to tackling anti-social across the communities we serve.
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“This type of activity will not be tolerated on the tram network and, as well as taking part in joint patrols with the police we regularly share CCTV footage with them to identify groups and individuals responsible.”
