High-visibility patrols continue across the city centre

High-visibility patrols will continue to be deployed across the city centre this week in the wake of three-knife related incidents.

A large police presence will continue across the city’s hotspot areas to offer the public further reassurance.

The patrols – both uniformed and plain-clothed - have already seen a reduction in crime across the city centre as a result.

They have also been supported by Nottingham City Council’s community protection officers which have carried out more than 100 patrols, including across the tram network.

The police patrols were deployed last week after mounting concerns by the public over three incidents that happened over the space of a few days.

Officers have already made a significant number of arrests in relation to all three incidents, with a number of people now charged and appearing before the courts.

Patrols have also targeted those we believe are coming into the city centre armed with a knife through stop and searches.

This has resulted in three arrests and charges for possession of a bladed article including a lock knife, pocket knife, and kitchen knife.

Officers have also arrested a number of people for possession or possession with intent to supply drugs as knife crime and drugs are often interlinked.

Four dispersal orders were also issued for those likely to cause problems in the city, which means they cannot return to the area for a period of 48 hours. Breaching this order can result in arrest.

Assistant Chief Constable Suk Verma, head of local policing, said:

“Last week, I made a commitment to the people of Nottingham, and I will continue to stand by it.

“The public can expect to see high-visibility patrols across the city centre and these patrols will continue until the public feel reassured.

“This will be a combination of our neighbourhood policing teams, response teams, as well as our knife crime team.

“Nottingham is a safe city, and we will not allow the actions of a few to spoil it for the majority of law-abiding citizens.

“I couldn’t be clearer with my stance – if you come into the city with a knife then our officers will make it as difficult as possible for you to operate.

“We will use all the powers at our disposal to make sure you are put before the courts or we look at measures that will see you banned from the city centre.

“Carrying a knife is both reckless and dangerous and there is absolutely no justification whatsoever for you to have one in your possession.

“We hope that the significant number of arrests and charges we have made so far offers the public some reassurance.”

Primark incident

On Sunday February 23, a 17-year-old boy sustained stab injuries at Primark in Nottingham city centre. He was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested and charged with the offence and is due to appear before the courts in March.

He is on strict bail conditions which includes not to enter the city centre.

No one else is wanted in connection with this incident.

Lower Parliament Street incident

On Thursday February 27, a number of young people were seen fighting in Lower Parliament Street. No injuries were sustained.

Two boys, aged 16 and 14, were charged with three counts of affray, three counts of possession of a bladed article and possession with intent to supply a Class A drug.

Their next court appearance is April and May.

Hounds Gate incident

On Friday 28 February, police were called to a house party in Hounds Gate. The property had been rented for a 16-year-old girl’s birthday.

There was around 40 people in attendance.

A 17-year-old boy was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening stab injuries. Two other people were also injured – a 17-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl.

Officers have arrested eight people in connection with this incident and have seized six weapons. A full investigation is still underway.