Welcome to the latest Rushcliffe NPI blog for November.
Apologies for the slightly late circulation of the blog, however please be reassured, the hard work continues from my teams in Rushcliffe, and it's been another busy month.
We started the month with a full house at the Farmers Forum which was supported by colleagues from rural charities, Rushcliffe Borough Council, Notts Fire & Rescue, the Forestry Commission, and PCC. It was a very productive evening, with plenty of questions & engagement, and I'd like to thank the hosting team at Oddhouse Farm, Owthorpe for their hospitality once again. We remain in a strong position with regards to rural crime, which remains at a low level, and with continued training and development for officers, combined with the support, reporting and engagement of the rural communities, we can keep it that way.
I attended a community meeting in Edwalton last week along with some of the Neighbourhoods team for the area which was arranged by the local councillors for Edwalton. We had some very positive discussions around recent efforts and ideas to reduce ASB in the area, as well as building on the recent beat surgeries on the patch. Thanks to those who attended and contributed, and to Porsche for hosting the function.
The Rushcliffe South team have been busy recently with a number of enforcement warrants to combat reports of drug dealing. Most recently, 3 addresses were searched in Bingham and East Leake, with 2 people arrested in connection with drugs offences. I know I've mentioned it before, but this sort of work is not possible without information from the public, so I'd urge those with information around drug dealing to report it in to Notts Police on either 101, or anonymously through Crimestoppers.
As we move into December, our force-wide drink drive campaign ramps up. We have several pro-active operations taking place in December to combat drink driving, which is something which creates a huge risk to the safety of those using the roads, and pedestrians too. I'd urge those out and about socialising in December to plan ahead, use public transport & taxis, or have a friend within your group as a designated driver. All too frequently we are called to often serious RTCs in Rushcliffe where one of the drivers is over the limit, and I don't want any of my officers to have to deliver the very worst news to someone's loved ones this December all because someone took the decision to drive whilst over the limit. Please... plan ahead, and don't drink & drive.
We have seen some suspicious incidents lately in the wider South Nottinghamshire region where vehicles are being targeted for theft, especially motor bikes. As advised in earlier blogs, please consider the use of faraday bags to store your keyless entry vehicle fobs in, and ensure motorbikes are stored out of sight where possible. I'd also advise you to consider the use of a steering wheel lock as a visible, and physical deterrent against vehicle theft. Whilst we don't have a huge spike in offences in Rushcliffe, I'm keen to avoid the increase in vehicle crime we had just over a year ago. Keep your eye on our Facebook pages and Notts Alerts for any further news on that.
This month, we welcome PC Liv Wightman to the team at Bridgford, and also PC Saff McDonald on a long term attachment also. We're slowly, but surely, building the numbers up on the Neighbourhood Policing team in Rushcliffe, and I'm sure Liv & Saff will be out and about meeting many of you soon. I'd also like to make a specific note of thanks to Special Constable Jon Chaloner, who as one of our local Special Constables, gives up his time to support our Policing operations in Rushcliffe. Jon has put in a huge amount of time recently out on patrol, and has been a real asset to the team in Bridgford so far.
Again, if you haven't already signed up for Notts Alerts, please find out how to do so via this link Notts Alerts | Nottinghamshire Police and you can also follow our Rushcliffe South and Rushcliffe North Police teams on Facebook too.
Wishing you all a safe, and happy Christmas.
Tim Cuthbert
Neighbourhood Policing Inspector for Rushcliffe