Police tackle aggressive begging, ASB and shoplifting in Central Avenue West Bridgford

Two dispersal orders were handed out and a wanted man was arrested as officers stepped up patrols in West Bridgford, police say they’ll maintain a high presence. 

The action by officers on the Rushcliffe Neighbourhood Policing team, is part of an ongoing operation to tackle shop thefts, antisocial behaviour and aggressive begging in West Bridgford.

Assisted by officers from Operation Reacher, the team are set to maintain a strong presence in Central Avenue, which is home to a number of bars, shops, restaurants and other businesses that have expressed concerns around shoplifting, aggressive begging and antisocial behaviour.

As part of the operation, officers were on Central Avenue on Saturday and Sunday (9 and 10 October 2021).

Whilst patrolling, officers stopped a 45-year-old man and recovered a quantity of white powder, believed to be drugs.

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He was issued with a dispersal order, which stipulates he is not allowed in the town. He was interviewed by officers and reported to court for drugs offences.

Officers also came across a man who was wanted for breaching a community order, which he had been given by Nottingham Magistrate’s Court following reported incidents of anti-social behaviour and drugs possession. The 44-year-old was arrested on suspicion of breaching the order and has since been remanded in custody.

A further 48-hour dispersal order was given to a 37-year-old man following reports that he had been causing a nuisance to members of the public in the town centre and had been involved in anti-social behaviour.

Sergeant Sarah Merrall, of the Rushcliffe North neighbourhood policing team, said: “It’s so important in our role to listen to the concerns local people and local businesses. This operation is a result of just that and allows to be proactive in tackling three issues that they’ve told us matter to them.

“We use this information to inform our policing, target our work and ensure we’re making the biggest impact we can, and the results from this weekend just go to show the effect proactive operations and patrols can have.”