Crime prevention officers clamp down on antisocial behaviour in Rushcliffe

Crime prevention officers have been working alongside neighbourhood policing team members to deter antisocial behaviour in Rushcliffe.

Officers have been listening to the concerns of charity volunteers at Cotgrave Community Garden and are recommending security measures are installed to help reduce criminal activity in the area.

Concerns include reports of antisocial behaviour and young people breaking down fences to access the site.

There have also been instances of a polytunnel greenhouse being slashed, plants and produce being deliberately uprooted, littering, and drug use.

The volunteers, who spend months of time and effort growing fruit and vegetables, often return to find the site in an unusable condition and spend additional hours cleaning to ensure the garden is safe before sessions can take place.

The crime prevention officers identify vulnerable areas, make recommendations to introduce security measures, and advise on the most appropriate and reasonable ways to reduce crime.

They were brought in by the force’s problem-solving coordinators, who work collaboratively with neighbourhood policing teams and engage with partner organisations to identify and monitor patterns in antisocial behaviour, provide expert advice and guidance, and recommend suitable prevention measures.

This can include replacing broken fences, upgrading the existing perimeter, removing fire hazards, using appropriate locks, and utilising CCTV.

This is in addition to officers from the Rushcliffe neighbourhood policing team monitoring and deterring criminal activity with high-visibility patrols to identify offenders and proactive enforcement in response to emergency calls.

These options will be considered by the volunteers and the land’s owner, with a meeting also being organised with all concerned parties to help establish a long-term solution.

Cotgrave Community Garden hosts sessions for people living with dementia, invites children to have a go at gardening, and also provides fresh produce for Cotgrave Community Kitchen – a surplus food community supermarket, which saves meals from going to waste.

Some young people involved have been identified and invited to the garden with their guardians to reconcile the issue as part of a community resolution.

Problem-solving coordinator PC John Cross said: “The behaviour of a minority of young people who think they can use this community garden as their personal hideaway is not acceptable.

“Officers in Rushcliffe are taking these concerns seriously and are working collaboratively with our crime prevention team and partners to reduce these offences.

“We will take appropriate action where necessary as it is not safe to access the site where there are hazardous objects left after vandalism. Local volunteers take pride in their hard work and want the garden to continue to be an asset for the community.

“Residents should report any criminal activity or antisocial behaviour to Nottinghamshire Police as soon as an incident occurs, so that officers can attend the location at the earliest opportunity.

“I would encourage any young person who is considering trespassing on this site to instead use the nearby playing fields, country park, or multi-use games area, which are suitable recreational spaces.”