Police respond after residents voice fears over rise in violent crime in Ashfield area
and live on Freeview channel 276
Nottinghmshire Police said cases of more serious violence have fallen slightly by 3.30 per cent over the last 12 months – but Ashfield residents have expressed concerns about an increase in offences post-lockdown.
One notable incident included the arrest of four young men who were reported to be wielding large knives at Sutton Lawn on July 23.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdInspector Mark Dickson, district commander for Ashfield, said: “People have told us that they are concerned about incidents of violent crime and we are determined to respond to those concerns.
“As a result we have been granted some additional resources to increase proactive policing patrols and to stop and search people and vehicles we believe to be carrying weapons or drugs.
“Only last week we recovered a significant quantity of class A drugs from a car we stopped in Sutton-in-Ashfield.
“We have also launched a robust management strategy in the area to intervene early with people we believe are at increased risk of involvement in violent crime.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“Our aim here is to prevent violent offences before they happen by educating and encouraging people before we need to take enforcement action.
“Working with local partners we have identified several adults and children who we think are at risk.
“We make regular contact with them to remind them of the dangers of carrying weapons and to identify what support they need to change the direction of their lives.
“Ultimately this is a carrot and stick approach.
“Where possible we’ll offer people as many carrots as we can – but won’t hesitate to use a very large stick if they choose not to engage with us.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdInsp Dickson added: “We recognise that all incidents of crime have an impact on victims and will of course continue to in our efforts to resolve every incident that is reported to us.”
Councillor Helen Ann-Smith, cabinet member for community safety at Ashfield District Council, said the authority ‘worked closely’ with police during July and has already seen some ‘positive results’ in tacking drug issues.
She added: “We are also aware of residents’ concerns around reckless driving in the district.
“We already have measures in place, including car park closures, to tackle the anti-social behaviour this can cause and will work closely with the police to further tackle this issue.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdShe said Ashfield will be getting an extra eight police officers in October.
“This is fantastic news,” she added.
“We look forward to welcoming them to the Kirkby HUB – a shared space for council staff and police officers – and working closely with them to tackle anti-social behaviour and crime in Ashfield.
“We are committed to making Ashfield a safer place for people to live, work and visit and the most effective way for us to do that is by working together.”