Neighbourhood police officers took action to successfully tackle youth-related antisocial behaviour to help create a safer community for residents in Rushcliffe.
West Bridgford officers have been listening to residents’ concerns and have put measures in place to ensure the surrounding area sees a reduction in criminal activity.
Concerns include reports of groups of young people shoplifting from supermarkets on Bridgford Road, verbal abuse of staff, and causing damage to shop doors, signs, and park play equipment. Reports have also been received about graffiti.
Minor arson incidents around Bridgford Park have also been reported, with eight children identified and referred to Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Firesetter scheme.
The intervention programme aims to help educate children and young people about the dangers of fire and deter this dangerous behaviour.
Rushcliffe neighbourhood officers quickly identified the small group of young people responsible by working closely with local schools and analysing CCTV footage.
In August, 11 young people aged between 12 and 16 were each issued with a community resolution with a positive requirement to complete an Immediate Justice referral.
Five young people received formal written warnings, and three others were educated by officers about the impact of their behaviour.
Immediate Justice is a scheme that ensures those who commit antisocial behaviour and low-level offences are made to give back to their community within days of their offence.
This can include cleaning up graffiti and litter or working in soup kitchens to repair the harm caused to communities in a visible way.
The effective implementation of a problem management plan, which involves police working closely with partner agencies, has been instrumental in reducing antisocial behaviour in the area, following a peak of 11 total incidents over the summer months.
As part of each resolution, restrictions have also been put in place banning the young people from specific locations for six months.
Since they were issued, the young people have not been seen in the area and reports have decreased.
At the centre of their continued efforts to tackle antisocial behaviour and minimise the risk of harm to businesses and members of the public, officers have taken simple yet effective steps to reduce nuisance opportunities, such as closing park gates and public toilets at an earlier time.
This is in addition to increasing proactive high-visibility patrols around Bridge Field, Bridgford Park, and Bridgford Hall.
The response to help resolve the incidents is part of a problem management plan, which is used by police to analyse a recurring issue and achieve the best possible outcome for communities.
Analysts have also produced a detailed report of specific incident times and locations, which has helped inform an increase in targeted patrols to deter antisocial behaviour and address hotspot areas.
An assessment of the area around the park has also been carried out by specialist crime prevention officers to identify vulnerable areas and recommend new security measures.
This can include expert advice to improve lighting, fencing, and CCTV to make it harder for criminals to operate.
Inspector Tim Cuthbert, Nottinghamshire Police’s district commander for Rushcliffe, said: “It’s encouraging that our problem-solving approach to tackle antisocial behaviour around Bridgford Road is proving effective.
“We know the nuisance this behaviour can cause to our businesses and communities, which is why we take their concerns seriously as a priority.
“It’s really important to offer engagement and intervention at an early age to deter young people from going down a path of criminality.
“It is beneficial for both the individual and the public in the long term to keep young people out of the criminal justice system, where appropriate.
“Though being a child does not excuse their antisocial behaviour, any response must be proportionate.
“This is very much a first step. If their behaviour persists, we have a range of escalating options available to us.
“Our response has been supported by the parents of the young people, which helps ensure accountability, responsibility, and foster meaningful, long-term change.
“We have also worked in partnership with Rushcliffe Borough Council as custodians of these areas to help resolve concerns.
“I would encourage residents to report all instances of antisocial behaviour to Nottinghamshire Police as this helps identify areas of concern and allows officers to attend incidents at the earliest opportunity.”
Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden said: “Tackling antisocial behaviour starts with early education and meaningful intervention.
“What we’ve seen in Rushcliffe is a great example of how working closely with communities and local partners can steer young people away from harm before patterns of offending becoming more consistent.
“Early engagement not only protects our communities – it gives young people a second chance to make better choices and build positive futures.”
Rushcliffe Borough Council’s cabinet portfolio holder for environment and safety Cllr Rob Inglis said: “We work in a close partnership with our local police neighbourhood team and the Crime and Commissioner’s Office (OPCC) to coordinate a response to significant issues if and when they arise.
“It is heartening to see the police’s engagement with their targeted patrols and ensures our joint partnership works really well, by addressing issues and identifying culprits before they escalate.
“Extra resources to increase the security has also seen daily patrols in recent months tackling antisocial behaviour, supporting young people, and making local safer public spaces, reassuring residents, businesses and visitors.”
