Nottingham Sees 30% Drop in Antisocial Behaviour Thanks to Police Boost
Nottingham’s city centre is cleaning up its streets. Officers report a whopping 30% annual fall in antisocial behaviour. The secret? More cops on patrol and smarter teamwork with local groups. Burglary and theft are also taking a nosedive as the neighbourhood team spends more time out on the beat and uses fresh resources to stop crimes before they happen.
Inspector Ben Lawrence: Community Policing Means Problem Solving, Not Just Arrests
“Community policing isn’t all about arresting people – it is largely about problem solving,” said Inspector Ben Lawrence, the new neighbourhood policing chief.
“Antisocial behaviour usually has an underlying cause. If someone is addicted or struggling, they need help to change long term. Of course, we’ll make arrests when needed, but we’re out there listening and working with locals to find lasting solutions.”
Thanks to a recruitment drive, Nottingham now boasts 10% more officers than last year. That boost is helping cops build stronger ties with community groups, charities, councillors, and local leaders. Lawrence promises “old fashioned, highly-visible policing” will return to the streets for good.
£750k Safe Streets Cash Targets Crime Hotspots
The local community is also benefiting from £750,000 in government-funded Safe Streets money, secured by Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry. It’s transforming crime hotspots across Arboretum, Park, and Bestwood with better CCTV, improved lighting, and automatic number plate recognition cameras.
Funds are also boosting home security in burglary-prone areas, helping residents sleep easier. Inspector Lawrence, a former RAF officer and ex-Met rookie, added:
“Most burglars are opportunists, not master criminals. They try houses until they find an unlocked door or window.”
“With Safer Streets cash, we’ve funded new locks, lighting, and doorbell cameras. These aren’t just crime prevention tools – they’ve helped us catch offenders too. The doorbell cams alone have led to several arrests by placing suspects at crime scenes.”
Cops Beg Public to Speak Up on Crime
Lawrence says police are in a strong position to keep cutting down crime but can’t do it alone. Residents are urged to report suspicious activity, especially drug dealing or those blighting neighbourhoods.
“If you spot trouble, tell us. We might not act immediately but will always take your concerns seriously and do what we can to help,” he said.
Nottingham’s streets are safer but staying that way depends on all of us keeping our eyes open.
