Operation Reclaim: Two arrests after machete and drugs seized during anti-social behaviour reports in Clumber Street

Teenagers who thought they could outrun the police after causing significant anti-social behaviour problems in Clumber Street were soon in the back of a police van.

Not only did officers put an end to their 'unruly' behaviour but they were arrested for some significant offences including possession of a machete, drugs and a shop theft.

This is all part of Operation Reclaim, a partnership approach to tackling the major problems affecting the city centre.

This includes youth anti-social behaviour, drug dealing and weapon carrying, with officers working hard to make Nottingham a 'no-go' area for those who wish to commit crime.

Officers have already created a watchlist of more than 20 young people causing the most problems in the city centre, some of whom are on banning orders with strict conditions.

This includes not entering the city centre or wearing face coverings.

If the behaviour continues, their parents or guardians will ultimately pay the price by being handed a Community Protection Notice (CPN).

Breaching a CPN is a criminal offence and has a wide range of consequences including significant court fines and the police may pursue civil orders, which could impact on tenancy.

On Tuesday, June 2, just after 4pm, a group of young people entered JD Sports in Clumber Street, causing significant problems for staff.

This included stealing items from the store.

Due to our combined patrols with My Local Bobby, funded by It's in Nottingham who represent businesses across the city centre, it wasn't long before they were caught.

Following a foot chase, a 17-year-old boy was caught near the Vic Centre and following a search, a machete and a quantity of cannabis was discovered.

He was arrested on suspicion of carrying a bladed article in a public place and possession of a Class B drug and taken into custody.

A 16-year-old boy was later arrested for the JD Sports shop theft.

Sergeant Cai Kemish, who leads on the operation to tackle youth anti-social behaviour in the city centre, said:

"Op Reclaim is already proving that partnership working is paying dividends when it comes to targeting those who are causing the most harm to our city.

"Our retail community have had enough of your disgraceful behaviour. Hard-working staff should not have to come to work and be subjected to this level of abuse.

"This is why we will continuously be out in force, with our partner agencies, making sure we put an end to your offending and make it impossible for you to access the city centre.

 "For these two teenagers their luck has run out. There is absolutely no justification for carrying a machete in the city centre.

"Thankfully, we have removed this dangerous weapon from the streets. We are now working hard to remove this individual from the city centre so he can cause no further problems for our local community."