Covert policing operation leads to stalking arrest in Lenton

A police operation to find a man caught on camera peering into people's homes has resulted in an arrest.

Neighbourhood officers conducted a plain clothes operation in the Lenton area following a series of suspicious incidents involving student properties, with some targeted more than once.

An investigation was launched after Ring doorbell footage captured a lone person looking through windows and entering back gardens in recent weeks.

Multiple witness statements were obtained and a description of the offender circulated to officers who patrol the area.

On Sunday evening (27 October), a plain clothes operation involving the Arboretum and Canning Circus beat teams led to officers spotting a man who matched the description and whose clothes also matched those seen in the doorbell footage.

The officers witnessed him walking at pace along Johnson Road whilst looking at numerous houses.

Officers exited an unmarked police car and arrested him on suspicion of stalking.

The 44-year-old was taken into custody where he was further arrested on suspicion of harassment with fear of violence.

He remains in custody for questioning.

Chief Inspector Mike Ebbins, of Nottinghamshire Police, praised the efforts of the City Central neighbourhood team. He said:

“It has been a fantastic effort to collate evidence and apprehend a suspect during last night’s proactive police operation.

“The recent incidents have understandably caused alarm and I hope students and other residents are reassured by our response.

“I’d like to thank the neighbourhood officers for their excellent work, as well as the University Policing Team who have attended targeted addresses to offer reassurance and provide personal alarms, door chimes and personal safety booklets.

“I’d also like to thank the landlords who have installed new security measures such as lighting and CCTV in response to these reports.

“We will continue to take a very proactive approach to stalking as we know such offences can have a very significant and long lasting impact on people’s lives.”

If you are a victim of stalking or believe that you might be, please contact Nottinghamshire Police.

If you feel in immediate danger at any time, always call 999.

If you are frightened, but not in immediate danger contact us on 101 or report it online.