Significant drop in crime and anti-social behaviour for Newark and Sherwood

A partnership approach towards anti-social behaviour has led to Newark and Sherwood experiencing the biggest drop in such cases throughout Nottinghamshire, with the number of burglaries decreasing also.

New figures show a 20 per cent reduction in anti-social behaviour across the district, when compared to the same period last year. County wide crime figures have seen an increase in crime, according to additional statistics, with the Newark, Sherwood and Bassetlaw Community Safety Partnership (CSP) the only one to show a reduction.

There has also been a 38 per cent reduction in burglary across the district.

The Castle ward in Newark – which covers the town centre itself – is an identified ‘Partnership Plus’ location and the community saw a 33 per cent decrease in anti-social behaviour. Areas labelled as ‘Partnership Plus’ are identified as having a higher than average crime rate, this results in additional partner agencies and members of the community uniting to add value to police initiatives and crack down on disorder.

The Balderton North & Coddington ward in Newark have also seen a 47 per cent decrease in anti-social behaviour.

Additionally, a number of neighbourhood watch groups involving police, retailers, county and parish councils, have been set up by the district council and residents themselves, to provide a forum for raising any concerns over crime in communities, including Balderton and Hawtonville in Newark.

Two new and experienced beat managers have been welcomed by Newark Police and the community, PC Harry Shaw for Balderton and PC David Hodson for Hawtonville. Newark Town Centre Beat Manager, PC Rob Harrison, was appointed into the brand new role in November 2018 and has since made a real impact on the area.

A cohort of four Community Protection officers have been appointed to extend the Council’s frontline ability to deal with groups and individuals who break the law and make life difficult for residents. 

The officers aim to tackle criminal activity, investigate environmental crimes, challenge anti-social behaviour and issue fixed penalty notices. They spend the majority of their time in the community, working directly with the public, the police, residents, businesses, key partners and parish and town councils to create safer communities.

Inspector Heather Sutton, District Commander for Newark and Sherwood, said: “There has been a real focus on long term problem solving, improved engagement and improved partnership work. We are now starting to see the benefits of that. In real terms, theses stats mean there have been 107 fewer victims of crime, which includes 69 fewer burglary victims. This makes a real difference to people’s lives and I am really pleased with the work undertaken.”

The fall in crime has been contributed to by diversionary activities for youth across the district. To tackle alcohol misuse and crimes associated with underage drinking, a Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP) was set up in October 2018.

Since the launch of the Ollerton, Boughton and Edwinstowe CAP, which is made up of retailers, local authorities, police, schools, neighbourhood groups and health providers, a wide range of activities have taken place to help deal with problems of crime and anti-social behaviour caused by alcohol.

The district council is currently in the process of upgrading its CCTV camera coverage across the district to improve security and enable improved responses to incidents that are shared with police.