Tim Cuthbert, Rushcliffe Neighbourhood Policing Inspector writes his blog updating the community on what’s been happening in the borough.
Tim writes:
‘I’ve slightly delayed this latest blog, as I wanted to be able to provide a full update following the recent national protests which have impacted in Nottingham, and in particular, in the Compton Acres area on Wednesday 7 August.
‘Firstly, a huge thank you to the whole Rushcliffe community, and especially those living in Compton Acres for their understanding, and the support they have shown our officers this week both in terms of the information that has been passed on, and the interactions you’ve had with my team.
‘I fully appreciate that seeing a small residential cul-de-sac in West Bridgford named as a possible protest site must have been a difficult situation to come to terms with, but I hope the size and tone of the policing operation that was put in place, the communications that the police and others put out, and the liaison we have had with partners and elected officials in the area was of reassurance to you all.
‘My team were also very conscious of the impact of recent online rhetoric and abuse being aimed at ethnic minorities and Muslim faith groups, so a low level presence was maintained on Wednesday evening at the Fazilat Masjid in West Bridgford, and I’d like to again pass on my thanks to the congregation there for their engagement and support in reducing community concerns.
‘The protest passed peacefully, with around seven protestors present at one point, but a considerable counter demonstration of around 200 people as well.
‘No arrests were made, no damage was caused, and no offences recorded. I’m sure you’ll appreciate that with emotions high across the country, finding the correct balance and tone of policing response is a challenge, whilst also respecting the rights of parties to congregate and conduct lawful protest.
‘I feel in this last week both with events in central Nottingham, and on Wednesday in West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire Police have performed exceptionally, with officers working long hours, often on cancelled rest days, to ensure that the protests passed as peacefully as possible. We will of course continue to support all those impacted in the coming weeks, whilst monitoring intelligence and information for any increase in risk.
‘Protests aside, you may have seen in the media that we have charged and remanded a male in relation to a house fire in the Gamston area.
‘This was a fast moving enquiry, and I’d like to thank the first responders from police and of course Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue colleagues for their swift actions, as well as the local CID teams who took on the investigation.
‘We’ve also seen arrests connected to some robbery incidents in the area around Radcliffe Road in June and July, as well as making arrests relating to ASB and some fire setting incidents in Bridgford Park. All those enquiries are on-going.
‘Last month saw the completion of the PCC funded Safer Streets project which has provided a series of high quality CCTV cameras in Bingham.
‘There will be some further communications about this project in due course, but I’m sure the residents of Bingham will welcome the technology as a deterrent to crime and ASB. The cameras will of course also provide a valuable resource to support any reactive enquiries our police teams have.
‘On a personal note, this week marked a year in post for me as Neighbourhood Policing Inspector for Rushcliffe. I can quite honestly say I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the challenge so far, and meeting many of the residents, businesses and officials in this superb part of Nottinghamshire.
‘I’m lucky to have such a dedicated, and professional team of officers and PCSOs to lead, and I’ve learned a lot from them this year, whilst being impressed with the results they achieve. Thanks also to the key partners in Rushcliffe at the Borough Council who we continue to have a superb, productive relationship with, and for making me so welcome in my role.
‘Thanks for taking the time to read my latest blog, and I wish you all a very safe, and pleasant summer.’
Tim Cuthbert, Neighbourhood Policing Inspector for Rushcliffe.
