Officers engaging with young people to reduce antisocial behaviour in Worksop

A fresh initiative designed to reduce and deter antisocial behaviour near Worksop is already proving effective at engaging with young people and helping keep them off the street.

Nottinghamshire Police has been listening to the concerns of residents in Costhorpe after officers began to see an increase in the number of antisocial behaviour and criminal damage reports in the year to September 2024.

Concerns include groups of young people being disruptive, causing criminal damage to the perimeter fences of residents’ homes, and damaging open green spaces on a housing estate.

Neighbourhood officers have been working closely with problem-solving coordinators, residents, and a housing association to reassure homeowners and ensure the area sees a reduction in criminal activity.

They have increased targeted high-visibility and plain-clothes patrols to reduce offending, increase reassurance and improve the relationship with residents to increase the reporting of incidents.

In addition, two events nights were organised with inflatable play equipment and a rodeo bull at a local youth club in November and December.

Youth workers who run the club said that attendance increased to more than 50 young people at each session and reported the sessions had been a positive inclusion that established an open line of communication between young people and Nottinghamshire Police.

In January 2024, Nottinghamshire Police launched a team of five problem-solving coordinators as part of ongoing efforts to proactively reduce antisocial behaviour and divert people away from offending across the city and county.

The problem-solving coordinators work collaboratively with neighbourhood policing teams and engage with partner organisations to identify and monitor patterns in antisocial behaviour, provide advice and guidance, and recommend suitable prevention measures.

Specialist designing out crime officers have also completed a site visit to the housing estate and have spoken with residents about their concerns, whilst also recommending further security measures to make it harder for criminals to operate.

Funding has been sourced to increase public lighting, cameras, and signage, which are set to be installed in the most affected areas. Security cameras have also been provided to residents.

One resident who had previously felt unsafe told officers that she “really appreciated the increased presence” in the area and it made her “feel confident that residents are being listened to”.

As part of efforts to reassure residents, officers have been increasing sign-ups to Notts Alerts in the Worksop area, which is the force’s free community messaging system that allows members of the public to receive alerts from Nottinghamshire Police.

Residents are being encouraged to sign up Notts Alerts and complete the neighbourhood policing priority survey using the following link, which helps shape local policing in their area.

A new cadet base is also set to launch in Worksop later this month as the force continues to proactively engage with young people and provide suitable recreational activities across the city and county.

Sergeant Mark Talbot, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We take all reports of antisocial behaviour seriously and it is important that the public see officers responding to their concerns in a visible way.

“Our neighbourhood teams and problem-solving coordinators work collaboratively with partner organisations to reduce instances of antisocial behaviour as a priority.

“I would urge the public to please report all instances of antisocial behaviour to Nottinghamshire Police as intelligence helps inform neighbourhood policing teams to identify areas of concern and allows officers to attend incidents at the earliest opportunity.”