The City South Op Reacher team continue to proactively target drug supply, with the help of the local community reporting any issues they face.
It was widely reported by concerned residents at the start of the year that drug users were using needles, especially around the Iremonger Pond area of Wilford Village.
Since then, officers have worked with the community, listening to their concerns and receiving information.
Community Group Committee Member and Iremonger Pond Association Volunteer Daniel Atherton said: “The area around Iremonger Pond is a beautiful place to live and we’re really fortunate to have had such a beautiful and well looked after space during lockdown to enjoy.
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“At points though, that turned to misfortune as the seclusion and privacy of the pond was taken advantage of by drug dealers and users from neighbouring areas.
“The community have worked really hard with the police to tackle the drug issues. Reporting crimes whilst they happen, passing on relevant and useful information and working hard to ensure needles and other paraphernalia are cleared up quickly before they are a safety concern.
“The police have started joining our monthly Community Group Meetings providing updates and listening to concerns. We have also seen an increased presence of police and community support officers around the community, chatting to local residents and making sure they feel safe.
“Drug use was deterring local community members, especially the vulnerable and lonely, from being able to enjoy this beauty spot. Most, if not all, would agree that it is so much better now and that’s because we’re all working together to tackle the issues.”
There have been a number of proactive arrests and drug warrants executed in the Meadows, Clifton and Wilford areas where we have recovered large qualities of class drugs heroin and cocaine, which has led to offenders being charged and remanded.
Neighbourhood Inspector for the City South area Karl Thomas said: “The local neighbourhood team have been hugely proactive in the area, executing drug warrants as well as recovering large qualities of class drugs, which has led to offenders being dealt with.
“The operation will continue to target drugs in Wilford following recent proactive police patrols. The situation is a lot better and local officers have noted reduced activity.
“Our officers work closely with local communities to help gather intelligence and build up information that could lead to more action being taken.
“That’s why it’s crucial that if you see any suspicious activity in your area, you report it.
“Our work is a clear demonstration that we won’t hesitate to act on community concerns and intelligence and that we will pursue individuals suspected to be involved in drug crime and who cause misery for law-abiding residents.
“Nottinghamshire Police will always investigate reports of suspected drug crime and take appropriate robust action against those believed to be committing such offences.
“Please report any concerns by calling Nottinghamshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, dial 999.
“The Iremonger Pond area of Wilford Village is a real beauty spot and I’d like to thank all the local residents, partners and the whole community who have worked tirelessly to make it such an idyllic space for us to all enjoy.”
Nottinghamshire Police has been spearheading the push to drive local residents to sign up to Nottinghamshire Alert so they can have direct engagement with the force and its partners around issues that matter to them.
The force is encouraging more residents to sign up to the police messaging system so they can stay up-to-date with the latest crime prevention advice and other safety announcements.
