Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Tim Cuthbert writes his regular update for residents across the borough.
Inspector Cuthbert writes:
Welcome once again to the Neighbourhood Inspector’s blog for Rushcliffe.
Some crime-related updates for you to start with.
We continue to see a reduction in shop theft since the summer.
At our peak, there were over 100 shop-theft incidents in Rushcliffe in one month, however thanks to a sustained effort from the team, utilising patrols, rapid arrests and prosecutions, as well as Criminal Behaviour Orders, combined with increased CCTV and shop watch radio schemes in key areas thanks to Safer Streets funding, and some innovative crime prevention work by the shops themselves, we’re currently only seeing around 30 incidents a month. We will, of course, continue our efforts to tackle theft over the festive period.
As mentioned in the last blog, the increase in theft of motor vehicles utilising keyless technology was a concern. In the last six weeks, we’ve put on additional night-time dedicated patrols both in plain clothes and uniform, as well as gaining the support of the Operational Support Department and their ‘interceptor’ teams in the area.
• West Bridgford police operation cracks down on keyless car theft
• West Bridgford shoplifting halves after police and council initiatives
As a result, these incidents have reduced significantly, and as in the last blog, I’d urge people with keyless entry technology on their vehicles to consider purchasing a ‘Faraday’ pouch or box to keep your keys in. These do work, and are a relatively cheap way to give yourselves peace of mind around preventing this offence type. Patrols will continue.
The OPCC has again been successful in securing funding for crime prevention investment in Rushcliffe, and I’m happy to report that work is well underway to significantly bolster CCTV in Bingham.
There will be more news coming out regarding this fantastic investment in the coming days, as it’s very much a team effort involving the PCC, Rushcliffe Borough Council and Bingham Town Council.
I chair the delivery group for this project, and we’re progressing well to implement a new CCTV system in Bingham which I believe will be of real benefit to the safety of people locally.
I attended a Rural Crime community meeting recently along with Councillors, the PCC and Chief Inspector Collings who leads on Rural Crime for Notts Police, and we discussed challenges facing the rural community in Rushcliffe. Whilst we’ve seen a huge 50% reduction in rural crime this year following the successful prosecution of a group, we’re not complacent, and it was a superb event to be a part of and listen to those previously impacted by rural crime issues, and how we plan to tackle it. They haven’t arrived yet (much to my frustration) but we’re due to be provided with new specialist 4×4 vehicles to tackle rural issues, so hopefully by the time of my next blog, we’ll have some news on that too.
Another event I was pleased to attend was the fantastic Celebrating Rushcliffe Awards held at Rushcliffe Arena. A humbling evening highlighting so much of the voluntary work that goes on across the area, and whilst there were so many nominations deserving of recognition, my congratulations to Nicola Brindley who won the Pride of Rushcliffe award for her tireless work supporting the victims & families impacted by Domestic Violence through the Tara’s Angels charity.
Having met with partners recently, I’ve revised our Rushcliffe Policing Priorities for the coming quarter.
They are;
– Keyless car thefts
– ASB in East Leake
– Metal theft in remote locations
We’ll be putting plans in place to tackle all the above, and I’ll report back on progress.
This month saw the sad, and untimely passing of PC Scott Redgate, an officer who worked the majority of his service in Rushcliffe on response and beat teams in the area.
Many of you will have met him, and known him, and no doubt remember him for his sense of humour and larger-than-life personality. He will be greatly missed by the teams based in West Bridgford and Cotgrave.
Finally, of course, I’d like to wish a Happy Christmas to everyone in Rushcliffe from myself and the Rushcliffe Neighbourhood Policing Team.
Thanks for taking the time to read this blog, and thanks also for your continuing support to keep Rushcliffe a safe place to live, work and enjoy.
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Insp Tim Cuthbert – Rushcliffe NPI
