For the last six months the Local Police Priority has been vehicle crime, due to concerns by the public raised through councillors, the Police and Crime Commissioners survey and crime figures. On 23rd March 2020 the UK was put on a Government ‘lockdown’ due to the Coronavirus pandemic, and this has had a significant impact on crime, mainly a reduction. I have reviewed the information available to me which shows, that for Newark and Sherwood; violence against the person, burglary, robbery, theft and criminal damage recorded crimes have all reduced significantly. Our previous priority, vehicle crime is also down; Current month compared with previous month this year -73.5%Current month compared with same month last year -50%Last two weeks -47.6%Year to date -50% (year starts at 01/04/20) ASB is the only area that is showing an increase at +111.4% YTD and +103.5% in the last two weeks. The vast majority of this relates to the public reporting Covid-19 breach related ASB. Within there, there is a significant trend of concern around off road motorbikes and quads. A review into this has shown that Newark Town Centre, Hawtonville estate and surrounding rural area, and Balderton and Fernwood and surrounding rural area, between the dates of 09/03/2020 and 06/04/2020 had 63 reports of ASB involving off road bikes and quads, with 58% of callers stated this was a regular issue. The Police and Crime Commissions Survey was undertaken before the lockdown, but indicated Reckless and dangerous driving was of highest concern to those surveyed. The majority of concerns raised by the public through their local councillors has been about people breaching the Covid-19 regulations. In light of all of the above information, and the current circumstances around Covid-19 it does not seem sensible to continue to make the priority auto crime. Once the lockdown measures are extensively released we may move back to a focus on auto crime, but at this time the clear main concern from the public is around ASB. I see the ASB in two parts, concerns around people breaching Covid-19 restrictions and concerns around off road motorbikes. Our policing priority over the next three months will be to focus on that, with the caveat that this will be reviewed before that time if there is a significant change (such as the covid-19 restrictions being released).
June update:
ASB continues to be of most concern to our communities as we continue in the covid-19 health pandemic. For the next month, the priority will continue to be ASB. We continue to see a reduction (Year to date) on all other reported crime types, excluding shoptheft, where we have seen an increase in the Newark area. The teams have put a plan together to target repeat offenders and work with the business who are repeat victims.
We have issues across many of our beauty spots and surrounding villages due to vast numbers of people visiting to enjoy the weather and the sites. I expect this will continue over the rest of the summer as people make the most of the British Countryside, unable to take their normal holidays. I have spoken with Newark and Sherwood District Council, who are looking at their waste collection provisions at these sites and making adjustments where needed. There have been instances of young people entering dangerous waters. The Parish Councils and County Councils are currently working together to share some water safety messaging. Last year we delivered an extensive multi-agency water safety package, with events and sessions delivered to young people and parents across the district. Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death. It would be extremely beneficial if parents could take the time to remind their children (and young adults) about water safety. There are a few helpful pointers on this website https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/water-safety.html
Aside from littering and swimming in open waters, there are a few individuals who have made the choice to step away from enjoying our villages, and taken it as an opportunity to be abusive to others, harm wildlife and cause damage. Following on from such issues in Balderton I issued a dispersal order on Tuesday 2nd June. This gives PC’s and PCSO’s the power to direct a person to leave the area if the officer suspects they are likely to contribute to ASB. The police, NSDC CPO’s and County Council Youth workers are all working together to encourage young people to engage in positive behaviours. We do not want to issue dispersal orders, we understand the importance, especially for young people of being with their friends and enjoying the outdoors, but it has to be done respectfully and so others can enjoy the same space. I have only issued dispersal orders for Newark Town Centre and Balderton in the last year, however they are another step we could take in our other villages if the ASB escalates.
As we are unable to role out our summer youth diversion activities package with the council and partners this year, we are looking at other ways to keep young people occupied, whilst also being safe during coronavirus.
Nitrous oxide canisters have also been found in our villages, and whilst people will often say they aren’t illegal, as soon as one person passes a canister to another, they commit an offence. Again, there is a need and opportunity for parents, and young people themselves to educate yourself on the harms of Nitrous Oxide, and have positive conversations about it https://www.talktofrank.com/drug/nitrous-oxide. The upshot is, people die from taking Nitrous Oxide.
July Update:
Nottinghamshire Police, Newark and Sherwood District Council
and Parish Councils have been working together to resolve various issue at our beauty
spot locations, caused by the easing of coronavirus lockdown measures, warm
weather, volume and behaviour of people attending the location. This is an
issue we have seen across the district and has a detrimental effect on the
residents and regular visitors. We understand the issues include littering,
inconsiderate parking, traffic congestion, poor social distancing, swimming in
the waters and anti-social behaviour.
NSDC have increased the bin emptying and collection at
effected locations. Public hygiene is of the upmost importance in the current
climate, and arrangements have been made for the provision of public toilets
where possible to elevate those issues. However, we are aware some people still
feel that it is acceptable to urinate in public, which may amount to an offence
of disorderly behaviour. Council licensing and Police have visited open
licenced premise to ensure they are adhering to their licensing conditions. The
County Councils traffic enforcement officers have increased their patrols and
issued tickets, this will continue.
Regarding dangerous swimming in the waters, we are currently
working with Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue to offer a water safety education
session on the bank side to visitors, the
council are also looking in increase the signage and we have made several
social media posts in a bid to educate those who use the areas.
We have authorised and issues dispersal order to a number of
people in Balderton who were unable to enjoy the environment without causing ASB.
We do understand that it has been an extremely tough few months and people are
desperate to let their hair down and enjoy time with friends, however this is
not an excuse to cause ASB and upset other people who wish to enjoy the same space.
We can let our hair down, without being offensive.
Neighbourhood officers have been, and will continue to
patrol the locations and deal with any ASB. I do hope that post July 4,
additional destinations will be available which may offer some respite for these
areas.
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