Christmas Crime Crackdown Launched in Gedling
With festive shopping frenzy escalating, Nottinghamshire’s Gedling area is stepping up security to keep shoppers safe. Thanks to national Safer Streets funding secured by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, the popular Shopwatch scheme has been relaunched just in time for Christmas.
High-Visibility Patrols and New Wardens on Duty
The Gedling Operation Reacher team is out in force this December, targeting retail and vehicle crime at the Victoria Retail Park. Alongside this, Gedling Borough Council has hired two brand new Safer Streets wardens to patrol not only the retail park but also the nearby Colwick Industrial Park.
Inspector Mark Stanley, District Commander for Gedling, said:
“My Reacher team is already out there this month targeting those intent on causing misery for shoppers, businesses, and residents. The reintroduction of the Shopwatch scheme and two street wardens will only contribute to the public having that extra security net and knowledge someone is always there to help when they are out shopping.”
Boosted CCTV and Security Devices for Residents
The £3 million Safer Streets pot includes upgrades to CCTV and automatic number plate recognition cameras. More than that, the scheme offers free security devices like doorbell cameras and locks to burglary victims, improving safety for residents across Gedling’s Netherfield and Colwick areas.
Caroline Henry, Police and Crime Commissioner, explained:
“While these measures are rolling out during the busiest retail period before Christmas, funding runs until late 2023, so their impact will last. This package includes extra police patrols, two new Safer Streets wardens, enhanced Shopwatch radios, improved street lighting, and better security in car parks and residential streets to combat vehicle crime.”
Community Praise for Safety Push
Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke MBE, welcomed the initiative:
“We’re thrilled to be working with the Police and Crime Commissioner to make our streets safer and reduce crime – a top priority for Gedling. We’ve seen how successful Shopwatch has been in Arnold, and extra patrols alongside new wardens will help tackle recent antisocial behaviour at Victoria Retail Park and stop car cruisers gathering at Colwick Industrial Estate.
“This added security support comes at a vital time as retailers recover from pandemic losses, and I’m sure they’ll welcome the boost.”
Shoppers can now browse with extra peace of mind knowing that big Christmas spending won’t mean big risks in Gedling this year.
