Problem-solving policing: Aggressive begging at store falls by more than a third

An innovative problem-solving policing system has contributed to aggressive begging falling by more than a third at a Hyson Green store.  

Neighbourhood officers have placed problem-solving at the heart of their continued efforts to tackle this issue and minimise the risk of harm to retailers and members of the public.  

The creation and effective implementation of a coordinated problem management plan, which involves police working closely with partners, has been an instrumental factor behind a 35 per cent drop in reports of begging at Hyson Green’s Asda store.  

Over the last eight months, since the plan was put into effect in May last year, there have been 40 fewer reported incidents (73 incidents compared with 113 for previous eight-month period).  

Problem solving coordinators, who proactively work to drive down and prevent crime across the city and county, are part of the force’s Prevention Hub - a collaboration between force departments responsible for developing strategies to prevent crime and disorder throughout the city and county.  

A range of tactics and crime prevention initiatives are being pursued through this plan to combat begging in the area.  

Measures being considered include working with store management on ways to signpost vulnerable people to where they can access help - including support with food, accommodation and benefits - and potential ways to deter begging outside the store.  

Problem solving coordinator DC Robby Love said: “While there’s still more work to do, it’s really pleasing that our coordinated approach to tackling this issue appears to be paying off.  

“One of the benefits of this plan is that we’ve been able to collate and analyse information more efficiently and effectively, including identifying when we are receiving most reports of begging in the area, enabling us to be more targeted with our prevention work.  

“This has also allowed neighbourhood officers to identify key time frames and increase more targeted patrols in the area where they engage with the community and offenders, which enables them to better understand the issues affecting all parties and offer the most appropriate solution.”  

PC Brendan Farrell, of the City Central neighbourhood policing team, said: “it’s important that we continue to offer support services to those who are the most vulnerable, however we also have a duty to act to protect retailers and members of the public. 

“If warnings are repeatedly ignored and support is refused then we will use appropriate enforcement action to deal with any persistent individuals who are causing concern.  

“I’m pleased we have seen a reduction in begging at the Asda in Hyson Green and we will continue to work closely with our retail, support, and council partners to tackle this complex issue.”  

Other initiatives which have had a positive impact to tackle the begging issue in the Hyson Green area include a targeted police operation, offering wraparound support services for vulnerable people paired with escalating enforcement action.  

Extra hotspot policing patrols have also had a positive impact, with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire (OPCC) receiving £1.5m of Home Office funding for the hotspot policing initiative during this financial year. 

This has allowed officers to take overtime working in areas where serious violence and antisocial behaviour are most likely to occur, creating safer spaces for residents and communities.   

A previous Immediate Justice scheme, led by the OPCC, has also helped to make it a safer and cleaner area.  

Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden said: “The positive results in Hyson Green highlight the importance of partnership working when it comes to problem-solving policing. 

“There is no one-size-fits-all approach to tackling antisocial behaviour, but by providing high-visibility presence on our streets we are showing our communities just how determined we are to improve their area. 

“The work doesn’t stop there, with vulnerable people being signposted to organisations who can help them, we are making strides to ensure Nottinghamshire is a safe place for all.”