Wildlife crime and antisocial behaviour at a Nottinghamshire lake have plummeted with help from a targeted police referral scheme.
Police received reports of young people starting fires, fishing illegally, littering, shooting wildlife with catapults, and disturbing nesting birds at Balderton Lake.
In April 2024, police launched a partnership with Mending Lines, a Newark-based organisation. This initiative aimed to divert young people from offending and help build positive perceptions of policing.
The scheme teaches young people to fish and has supported more than 600 children, including those who are neurodiverse and not in mainstream education.
Since the launch, offences have dropped by 94 per cent, from a peak of 57 incidents over the summer months in 2020 to just three in 2025.
PCSO Katie Hewerdine, who helps run the scheme, said: “Most people who fall into criminality haven’t been afforded the right opportunities.
“If we get ahead of that and try to divert them in a direction that’s more positive, you can then tackle future criminality.
“If we divert them, give them things they haven’t had, let them know they’re important, that they’ve got all these opportunities, they’ve got decisions they can make, and they can turn their lives around to a point where they’re thriving rather than surviving – that’s the whole importance of engagement.”
“We have directly referred 100 children to the scheme, none of whom have gone on to be involved with any further incidents.”
Lucas, 13, is just one of many young people who have benefited.
He said: “It feels nice knowing that I’ve helped teach a kid fish and learn a new hobby.
“Katie has been really kind to me, and I feel comfortable around her. My perception of the police has changed quite a lot.”
The sessions are organised at Willow Lakes in Foston by Chris Parker.
He said: “Mending Lines is a fishing project open to everybody, it’s based around fishing for wellbeing.
“We work closely with Nottinghamshire Police to help tackle antisocial behaviour, and it’s also great for helping with mental health.
“Some of the children who were involved with the catapulting have been referred to me, and we teach them to appreciate wildlife, appreciate fishing handling and welfare, and litter picking.
“We’re now working as a team to tackle antisocial behaviour and we’re getting great feedback and rewards from it – it’s amazing.”
PCSO Hewerdine added: “The scheme has really integrated young people into the community – people are happy to see them there and having a nice time, but doing it responsibly.
“The local council is absolutely buzzing about it, all the more established anglers are really happy to have them there, because they’re encouraging them too.
“Most kids, when they see us, run away from the police. However, by spending time with young people, we’re changing their perception of what the police represent.
“What we’re actually going to do is encourage and support you and help make sure that you make really positive life choices and find something that you enjoy.”
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