Hyson Green & Arboretum Smash Antisocial Behaviour Reports by 36%
Hyson Green and Arboretum have seen a dramatic 35.9% drop in antisocial behaviour (ASB) reports for 2021-22 — well above the Government’s 20% target. But police say the fight isn’t over yet.
New Tactics Target Street Drinkers and Drug Users
Neighbourhood Inspector Ben Lawrence credited his team’s hard graft and partner work for the sharp decline in ASB. Yet he warned: “We still have problems, especially with street drinkers and drug users.”
Lawrence revealed plans for tougher measures. “We’re discussing with the council how to tackle antisocial behaviour better. Could removing hiding spots like shoulder-high walls help? Installing CCTV to gather court evidence? We’ll be pushing Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs) much more — breaking one means jail.”
Cracking Down with Criminal Behaviour Orders
CBOs, issued by judges under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, ban offenders from specified activities. Breaching an order can land someone behind bars. Lawrence admitted, “Getting CBOs is tricky as courts often reject applications. That’s why we’re training our team on securing them.”
He added that the approach has already worked well in Nottingham city centre and will now be rolled out locally as part of the neighbourhood team’s top priorities: tackling ASB, burglary, and serious crime.
Long-Term Fixes and Community Work Underway
Recognising many causes of ASB stem from deeper social issues, Lawrence stressed the importance of partnership work. “We can’t police deprivation away—that’s why we’re working with Nottingham City Council on redesigning Peppers Park with better lighting, removing walls, and clearing hedges so offenders can’t hide.”
Similar steps are being taken in The Arboretum, a known robbery hotspot. “We’re pruning trees and boosting visibility, plus running high-visibility patrols,” he said. Efforts include working with local businesses like Asda to keep street drinkers and drug users away from customers, with temporary fencing recently installed.
Why Arrests Aren’t Always the Answer
Locals often ask why police don’t just arrest troublemakers. Lawrence explained: “Many ASB offenders are entrenched street drinkers or drug users. Arresting them just leads to a cycle — they’re released and return to the same behaviour. We do arrest lawbreakers, but true change needs long-term solutions.”
He admitted funding limitations slow down improvements but promised, “We’re doing everything we can, even if it’s behind the scenes.”
Police Push Back Against Negative Headlines
Inspector Lawrence expressed frustration over recent bad press painting the neighbourhood in a poor light. “It’s unfair on my team and the community. Some work isn’t visible because it’s slow and painstaking, but we’ve been busy with patrols and dispersal orders.”
He described dispersal orders as “yellow cards” forcing troublemakers to leave an area or risk arrest.
Neighbourhood Policing Week of Action
This week, Nottinghamshire Police are ramping up community policing during Neighbourhood Policing Week of Action (Jan 23-29, 2023), reinforcing their commitment to stamping out antisocial behaviour and keeping Hyson Green and Arboretum safe.
