A dual strategy of high-visibility and plain clothes patrols is continuing in Nottingham city centre so people can enjoy what the city has to offer and feel safe.
Our teams continue to be present – both visibly and covertly – as part of a clampdown on antisocial behaviour and knife crime, with Nottingham City Council’s neighbourhood safety officers supporting the patrols.
This zero-tolerance approach has resulted in a number of positive outcomes in recent days, with a number of suspects due in court having been arrested for a variety of offences.
Superintendent Chris Pearson, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:
“During recent weeks, we have had increased patrols in the city centre proactively targeting those involved in incidents of antisocial behaviour and violent behaviour, whilst at the same time providing reassurance to those who live, work and visit the city.
“Officers will continue to provide a visible police presence in hotspot areas of the city centre as we want people to feel safe.
“We regularly engage with local businesses to provide reassurance and advice on crime prevention, while supporting them in reviewing CCTV to identify suspects and support prosecutions.
“Our brand-new CCTV van, which can capture a 360-degree view of an area from a telescopic mast, and Nottingham City Council’s CCTV control room are also vital resources. Nottingham city centre has comprehensive CCTV coverage, which serves as a deterrent to anyone intending to cause trouble.
“This remains a priority for our team and we continue to work closely with partners to tackle the root causes of serious violence. We’re also working hard with businesses, the council and other partners to ensure that robust plans are in place, especially as the good weather continues and more people want to enjoy all that the city has to offer.”
The additional patrols are continuing for the long-term after a scheme that funds high-visibility foot patrols in crime hotspots across Nottinghamshire was extended for another year, following a fresh injection of £1.5 million in government funding.
The Hotspot Action Fund (HAF) is a Home Office-funded initiative aimed at tackling serious violence, knife crime, and antisocial behaviour (ASB) in the areas most affected across Nottinghamshire.
The city hotspot areas covered include Old Market Square, the Lace Market, Hyson Green, Sneinton Hermitage, St Ann’s Well Road area, Radford West, Bulwell, Bulwell Forest, Leen Valley, and Whitemoor.
Detective Chief Inspector Claire Gould said recent arrests included a 23-year-old man, who was tracked down and detained at a caravan park in Skegness in connection with a stabbing that took place in Market Street, Nottingham, on 9 June.
He was arrested on Wednesday (18 June) and questioned on suspicion of conspiring to cause grievous bodily harm with intent, affray, possessing criminal property and possession of a Class B drug. He was later bailed with strict conditions pending further investigation work.
DCI Gould said:
“We understand the concern recent knife incidents have caused in the city centre.
“Such incidents are completely unacceptable and we have actively responded with an increased police presence, including high-visibility patrols and plain clothes officers, to deter crime and catch offenders.
“These efforts have already resulted in positive outcomes, with arrests made and weapons seized.
“This increased police presence is part of a broader strategy to address knife crime in the city, which includes community engagement and working with partners to tackle the root causes of knife crime.
“I’d like to reassure the public we will continue to use stop and search powers, CCTV, and other resources to track down those involved in knife crime and ensure they are brought to justice.”
We continue to rely on communities and would encourage anyone with any information or concerns to report it to us. You can call 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always call 999.
