New Mansfield police taskforce make 21 arrests and seize 3 knives in a month

Since it was launched in October, ‘Operation Reacher’ has made 21 arrests seized six cars, taken three knives off the streets and made nine drug seizures. It has also carried out four drugs warrants and 92 stop and searches.

The new team of seven full-time officers is one of 12 new proactive policing teams operating in communities across Nottinghamshire.

Examples of typical activity include methodically planning raids on suspected drug dealers, targeting dangerous drivers in local trouble spots, and responding to intelligence reports to track down wanted suspects.

The team has also taken on the responsibility for policing the night-time economy in Mansfield Town Centre.

Team leader Sergeant Jay Lee said: "All officers working across Mansfield have done some fantastic work in reducing crime across the area over the last 12 months.

"We're here to add to that great team effort, to make sure those numbers continue to go in the right direction and to offer further reassurance to the local community that their concerns are being listened to and acted upon.

"The Reacher initiative is important not only because of what it is achieving, but also because of the message it sends out to the public - that we believe in and are investing heavily in community policing.

"On a practical level it gives us a degree of flexibility in tackling local issues and emerging trends across the district to try and intervene before problems become too embedded. These issues can range from low-level antisocial behaviour and driving offences to far more serious drug-related criminality.

"As someone with links to this area this job really means a lot to me. I really want to make this a better community to live and work in and to build further in the trust and confidence people have in our work."

Executive Mayor of Mansfield Andy Abrahams said: "It is fantastic news for Mansfield that the police have put in place Operation Reacher.

"Drug offences are a particular issue for this district so it is encouraging to hear that this crime is being targeted by this dedicated team of officers."