CCTV van to be deployed to Broxtowe Country Park after helping to prevent anti-social behaviour in Bilborough

Youngsters causing anti-social behaviour in Bilborough and wanted criminals in the city centre have been caught thanks to our brand-new CCTV van.

Plans are now underway to deploy the vehicle at Broxtowe Country Park to target off-road bikers who are ruining the vicinity for residents and visitors.

The van – which is staffed by specially-trained officers – has been in operation since February and deployed to areas with significant or emerging ASB problems.

The CCTV van, which can capture a 360-degree view of an area from a telescopic mast, is designed to improve resident safety by acting as a deterrent but also capturing real time evidence.

The camera has the capacity to view an entire area, zoom in directly on offenders, identify any potential threats or capture the direction that offenders leave a scene.

The footage can also be viewed remotely from the force control room, allowing, where necessary for real-time information to be passed onto officers.

In April, concerns were raised about up to 40 young people gathering at Harvey Hadden, with some entering the derelict Glenbrook Management Centre.

Once inside the building, they have caused criminal damage, set deliberate fires, and even climbed onto the roof putting themselves in immediate danger.

Their presence has also intimidated residents.

The neighbourhood policing team deployed the van at peak times and identified 14 young people involved with anti-social behaviour.

In each case, parents or guardians have been visited and shown the evidence officers have captured with warning notices handed out.

If the behaviour continues then further action will be taken. This can include criminal behaviour orders banning them from particular areas and can prompt a review of their parents’ tenancy agreement with the local authority.  

Due to the success of the operation, the CCTV van will now be deployed at Broxtowe Country Park following growing concerns about ASB there.

Neighbourhood Inspector Gordon Fenwick said:

“Anti-social behaviour can be a real blight on our communities and that is why it is such a priority for my neighbourhood policing team.

“The CCTV ASB van is not there to replace our neighbourhood officers but is there to enhance our offering to the public to tackle the issues they raise, and ultimately ensure action is taken.

“We have already had some great results at Harvey Hadden and will now deploy the van at Broxtowe Country Park.

“Capturing the evidence is vital so that immediate action can be taken against those who are causing harm to our communities.”

The CCTV ASB van has also been used in the city centre where it has located a number of offenders wanted for numerous offences including a recall to prison.

The van was able to track their movements while officers were called in to make the arrests.

Neighbourhood Inspector Paul Ferguson, who is responsible for getting the project off the ground, said:

“We know that one of the biggest concerns for our residents is anti-social behaviour.

“Residents want to feel safe in their neighbourhoods and shouldn’t have to experience this type of behaviour where they live and work.

“We couldn’t be clearer as a force. We won’t tolerate ASB in our neighbourhoods.

“If you want to continue to cause harm to your communities then we will continue to pursue you, capture your actions in real-time, and take action against you.”

The £130,000 project was funded by just under £95,000 from the Home Office.

Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden said:

“Tackling serious violence and antisocial behaviour is a cornerstone of my Police and Crime Plan, and I am committed to making Nottinghamshire a safer place for all.

“The new ASB van has provided a unique and valuable extra resource that is being used to target areas where serious violence and antisocial behaviour are most prevalent.

“It is great to hear of the success it is already having, with the initiative sending a clear message that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated, and we will continue to do everything we can to protect residents and ensure they feel safe in their homes and neighbourhoods.”