Multiple arrests were made as part of a clampdown on crime in Nottingham city centre.
Neighbourhood officers held two days of action last week in response to concerns about crime in and around Clumber Street.
During the patrols, eight people were caught stealing from Greggs by Sergeant Jono Pothecary and his team, with all offenders processed with either out of court disposals or reported for summons to court.
A further six people were arrested for reasons such as breaching licensing conditions, breaching dispersal notices, drug offences and possession of bladed articles.
The officers also issued 13 dispersal notices under Section 35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. The legislation allows police officers and PCSOs to issue dispersal orders, directing individuals to leave a specified area for up to 48 hours. This power is used when there are reasonable grounds to believe that a person’s behaviour in a locality is contributing to or likely to contribute to harassment, alarm, distress, crime, or disorder.
The days of action, held across June 4 and 5, also included additional foot patrols in busy areas to reassure the public and disrupt criminal activity.
Sergeant Pothecary said his team had been working closely with local businesses to catch offenders. He said:
“We know retail crime is a growing problem in the UK and that includes Nottingham. We’re committed to tackling the issue and that is why we’ve been working closely with local businesses to identify and catch offenders.
“This includes utilising Shop Watch radios, which retailers can use to warn us of an individual or group causing trouble so immediate action can be taken.
“For example, this helped us catch eight people stealing from Greggs. Some of these offenders admitted they were on their way to local support services where free food is offered to them anyway. They were aware of the extensive support services available to them in Nottingham but still chose to commit offences.
“This offending puts up retail prices for those who lawfully go about their business and it’s an insult to not only the public but to the support services that provide these services, which are designed to prevent offending.
“Every person who will appear in court following this action will be considered for a Criminal Behaviour Order as we have exhausted all other avenues to prevent their offending.
“This is a long term problem solving approach where we have exhausted all avenues to support individuals with housing and drug/alcohol misuse support. Sadly, we see this support being refused time and time again.
“We will continue to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour as it is paramount that we protect the public and make those who visit, live or work in our great city feel safe.”
