New statistics show crime is falling in Newark and Sherwood, and here's why

A partnership approach to tackling anti-social behaviour in Newark and Sherwood has led to the biggest drop in such cases in Nottinghamshire, while the number of burglaries has also reduced significantly, according to new figures.

Figures show a 20% reduction in anti-social behaviour across the district this year to date, when compared with same period last year.

Most other areas in the county have experienced much smaller decreases, and some an increase.

In the same time period there was a 38% reduction in burglaries across the district.

Inspector Heather Sutton, divisional commander for Newark and Sherwood, said: “In real terms, these statistics 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.

“This work will continue and we still have crime to fight.

“There are plans in place to ensure our successes are long-lived, and our focus is turning to bicycle theft, auto crime, youth-related fire setting and ensuring knife crime does not blight our district.

“I am looking forward to welcoming three additional officers to Neighbourhood Policing this year, as pledged by the Police and Crime Commissioner.”

Newark, Sherwood and Bassetlaw Community Safety Partnership (CSP) is the only one to show a reduction in the county.

The CSP, made up of Newark and Sherwood District Council, the police and other agencies, works to reduce all forms of crime, disorder and reoffending.

Castle ward in Newark, which covers the town centre, is an identified Partnership Plus location and saw a 33% decrease in anti-social behaviour.

Partnership Plus areas have been identified as having a higher than average rate of crime and so have initiatives to reduce disorder.

Another community having shown a dramatic reduction is the Balderton North and Coddington ward, which saw a 47% decrease in anti-social behaviour.

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

To drive crime down further, Newark Police has two new experienced beat managers, Pc Harry Shaw for Balderton, and Pc David Hodson for Hawtonville, augmenting town centre beat manager Pc Rob Harrison, who has been in post since November.

The district council has employed four Community Protection Officers.

In January, the first two officers were recruited, with an additional two now in post, with the aim of tackling criminal activity. They have the power to issue fixed penalty notices, investigate and deal with environmental crimes, and also challenge anti-social behaviour.

The officers 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.

Council leader David Lloyd said: “By being proactive and working with partners including the police, we want to send out a clear message that we will take appropriate action to deal with individuals who clearly do not respect the area or those who live there.”

Diversionary activities for young people across the district are also said to have also contributed to the fall in crime.

The council is also in the process of upgrading its CCTV camera coverage across the district to improve security.