Rushcliffe Neighbourhood Policing Inspector outlines achievements in the last quarter and looks ahead to priorities for the police for January – March 2025.
Inspector Tim Cuthbert writes in his monthly update:
‘Happy New Year, and welcome to the latest Neighbourhood Policing blog for Rushcliffe.
‘It was a very busy December in Rushcliffe, and there are many updates I’d like to mention, but first, I want to express my sympathies for anyone impacted by the recent flooding, which I know has been a huge challenge for many in the Borough.
‘I’ll start with a review of our previous quarterly Neighbourhood Priorities. Our previous quarter focused on:
- Theft and business crime in West Bridgford
- Car cruising and road safety
- Acquisitive crime in East Leake
‘I’m pleased to say that following some key arrests and hard work from the team, December saw a significant reduction in theft from shops (around 40% down month on month). Thanks to the shop staff for reporting incidents in a timely fashion, and to the Neighbourhood Team for their hard work. Our team has also been busy on the roads with dedicated operations to combat drink-driving, as well as car cruising, which have resulted in several arrests for driving under the influence, as well as car seizures from persistent car cruisers. East Leake has seen a reduction in burglaries as a result of efforts there too.
‘In November and early December, across Nottinghamshire, and indeed in Rushcliffe, we saw pockets of offences relating to the theft of motor vehicles by keyless entry. Additional patrols were put on, and some long hours were worked by the Operational Support Department (who you may have seen on the Police Interceptors programmes), which have significantly disrupted the group engaged in those offences, and we’ve seen a very big reduction as a result of their efforts. I’d still repeat the advice, though, as an additional safeguard, to place keyless entry car fobs inside Faraday pouches or boxes in your house, and consider the use of steering wheel locks to deter offenders.
‘Throughout December, additional Night-Time Economy work was undertaken in Rushcliffe’s town centres. This included licensing checks, as well as mobile and foot patrols in the busier areas. Thanks to those who spoke to the teams over Christmas. Except for a few incidents, most licensed premises in Rushcliffe had no reason to call us in for support.
‘I was pleased to welcome Nottinghamshire PCC Gary Godden for a walk around West Bridgford in December, where, along with colleagues from Rushcliffe Borough Council and representatives of MP James Naish, we discussed issues impacting the area. Through those discussions, I’ve also continued to push for further resourcing and training to deal with rural crime, something I want us to remain on top of as we grow our Neighbourhood Policing Team in Rushcliffe.
We have several beat surgeries and engagement events coming up in the next few weeks, so please sign up for Notts Alerts to get direct notifications of them, or check out our Facebook pages too.
In terms of priorities for the coming quarter (January to March 2025), having spoken to partner agencies and reviewed crime and intelligence reporting, I have decided that the priorities will be as follows:
- Drug supply and production
- ASB in West Bridgford
- Car cruising and road safety
Drug Supply and Production: I have noted an increase in intelligence and reporting of suspicious behaviour relating to drugs, especially around the production of cannabis. This information provides us with an opportunity to be proactive and also follow up on those who facilitate cannabis production through property letting. We will also focus on drug supply and importation, as well as the anti-social behaviour surrounding drug use in public areas.
ASB in West Bridgford: We have reports of ASB around the town centre of West Bridgford, as well as in the park and surrounding areas. Seeking to disrupt, dissuade, and divert those involved will also be a priority this quarter.
Car Cruising and Road Safety: This is an area about which I receive a great deal of correspondence, and I wish to retain our focus on combating the anti-social use of our road system in Rushcliffe, as well as working to prevent serious collisions, many of which have an enormous impact on those involved. We will retain a visible presence and a proactive mindset when seeking to make our roads safer. I appreciate this is a continuation of last quarter; however, with the dark nights and poor road conditions impacted by the weather, it needs to remain a priority for us.
There will be further information explaining what we’re doing to combat the three priority areas on our website and on social media as operations take place in the coming weeks. I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank PC Paul Sanders, who, after several years working on the Neighbourhood Team in Rushcliffe, has moved on to pastures new. All the best in the future, Paul!
