Police launch new operation to tackle criminality in Radford

A new crackdown on crime in Radford has been launched – with extra officers deployed to investigate reports and apprehend offenders.

Senior officers have devised a robust policing plan – called Operation Arriving – in response to a gradual rise in retail crime, auto crime and burglary over recent months.

Under the plans, the force's Priority Tasking and Operational Support teams will be drafted in to support neighbourhood officers in executing warrants and carrying out enforcement activity, including multiple days of action.

Crime prevention postcards will also be distributed in hotspot areas, reminding people of the easy steps they can take to keep their possessions safe. 

Meanwhile, proactive patrols will be increased to ensure Radford becomes as hostile as possible for criminals to operate.

Inspector Liz Gaskin, who leads the City Central Neighbourhood Policing Team, based at Radford Road Police Station, said:

"Radford is a vibrant and diverse neighbourhood and we want it to be a safe place for people to live, work and visit.

"Sadly, we have seen a gradual rise in retail crime, auto crime and burglaries over the past few months in the area. 

"Needless to say, these crimes are having a negative impact on victims and local businesses and so we're launching Operation Arriving to reverse these recent trends.

"This means additional resource to investigate crimes and track down offenders, so that they can be held accountable at court. 

"In addition to this, we'll be deploying extra high-visibility patrols to deter crime and provide reassurance to the local community, as well as distributing key crime prevention advice to residents and student population.

"Today, our message to offenders is crystal clear – we are coming for you."

The launch of Operation Arriving comes a month after the launch of Operation Reclaim in Nottingham city centre.

Whilst the city centre project is having great success in tackling youth ASB, drug dealing, weapon-carrying, illegal e-bikes and retail crime in the NG1 postcode, Inspector Gaskin said there was very little evidence to suggest offenders were now targeting the Radford area instead. She said:

"The gradual rise in certain crime types in Radford has been ongoing for a number of months and pre-dates Operation Reclaim. It's difficult to know what has led to these increases but I can reassure the local community that we are taking robust action to bring the numbers down.

"That said, we can't address these issues on our own. We really need the public to play their part by securing their possessions in order to greatly reduce the possibility of them being targeted by an opportunist thief."

For practical tips on protecting your home and keeping your vehicle safe, visit Crime prevention advice | Nottinghamshire Police.

Information on how to report a crime can be found here: Contact us | Nottinghamshire Police. In an emergency, always call 999.