Safer Streets helps put prolific shoplifter behind bars

Commissioner Henry with two of the WISE wardens helping to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour in West Bridgford.

Two projects funded by Safer Streets supported a police investigation which put a prolific shoplifter behind bars.

Andrew Wimbeldon, aged 41, was jailed for a total of five months after breaching his criminal behaviour order just hours after it was imposed.

Thanks to a Shop Watch Radio scheme and WISE wardens patrolling in the West Bridgford area, vital evidence was gathered that supported the police investigation.

The initiatives were introduced as part of the Safer Streets scheme, after the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner secured £3m of funding last year for projects across Nottinghamshire.

The schemes have been delivered as part of a partnership with Rushcliffe Borough Council and Nottinghamshire Police.

The sentencing came after Wimbeldon was initially issued with a two-year criminal behaviour order at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on 1 June 2023 after pleading guilty to a string of thefts from shops in West Bridgford.

Wimbeldon, of Gordon Road, West Bridgford, was ordered not to enter specific stores nor act in a manner likely to cause alarm and distress towards staff working at these locations for the duration of the order.

However, he showed complete disregard for the order by entering one of these stores later that same day, stealing three bottles of spirits.

Wimbeldon was duly arrested and went on to plead guilty to the theft and to breaching his order, before being jailed when he appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 7 June 2023.

Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry said: “It is fantastic to see the real-life benefits of these Safer Streets projects coming to fruition.

“Alongside the Shop Watch and WISE warden scheme we have also been able to invest in laptops for PCSOs to keep them out on the streets for longer, CCTV to keep public safes safe and automatic number plate recognition cameras to help catch criminals on our roads, among other things.

“This conviction is proof that Safer Streets really does help make our public spaces safer for everyone.” 

Inspector Rob Lawton, neighbourhood policing inspector for Rushcliffe, said: “Antisocial behaviour has a hugely negative impact on the community and affects the quality of life for those who suffer from it.

"As we have shown, where necessary we will obtain criminal behaviour orders against persistent offenders to deter this sort of behaviour, and we will continue to enforce if these orders are breached.

"I'd like to commend PC Matt Holden's hard work towards securing this order which was secured as a result of a partnership effort between police, businesses, Shop Watch and support from Rushcliffe Council's WISE patrols.

“We are committed to taking the necessary action to ensure our residents and visitors feel safe and secure and free from the harm caused by these individuals.

“The terms of these orders are clear – if you breach them, you will go to prison. I hope Wimbeldon’s sentence reiterates the message that criminal behaviour orders are taken seriously, and any breaches will be robustly dealt with.

“My officers will continue to work closely with business owners to ensure those who commit shoplifting offences or antisocial behaviour are identified and dealt with appropriately.”

Rushcliffe Borough Council Cabinet Portfolio holder for Environment and Safety, Cllr Rob Inglis said: “This case is a great example of partnership work succeeding as operations and funding have combined to help ensure this individual was convicted for his crimes.

“Well done to all partners whose swift work made our streets safer.”