Neighbourhood Policing Team significantly reduce ASB in Hyson Green this summer
Anti-social behaviour has reduced by more than 80 percent around Asda supermarket following extra police patrols during the summer.
Throughout July, officers have carried out 82 hours of additional patrols in the area after listening to community concerns.
The work includes in and around the Asda supermarket and adjoining park where there has been concerns around aggressive and intimidating begging and drug dealing.
The police have worked closely with city council officers who have also carried out extra patrols.
This has resulted in 36 stop searches, 11 drug seizures, two weapon seizures, and five engagement events with residents to hear their concerns and issues.
A day of action was also held on 4 July where council officers collected nearly four tonnes of waste including items that have been fly-tipped as well as contaminated bins.
Businesses were also visited to ensure they are complying with legislation, which has seen 34 illegal vapes seized from one business with a warning letter issued.
Concerns were also raised by residents about a property in Bentinck Road due to persistent noise and disorder, a constant flow of visitors at all hours and concerns that vulnerable people were being exploited at the property.
Nottingham City Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour team, working in partnership with Nottinghamshire Police, issued a closure order to prevent any further disorder.
Safeguarding measures were also put in place for those at risk of exploitation.
Chief Inspector Mike Ebbins said: “Quite rightfully residents and businesses in Hyson Green expect action when they raise concerns with us.
“Hyson Green is a priority area for us as a force and we want to ensure that people living and visiting the area feel as safe as possible and can go about their day without becoming a victim of crime or feeling unsafe.
“Since we launched our summer programme of activity the reports of anti-social behaviour around Asda have decreased, from only two reports in July compared to 16 in March.
“This is a significant reduction and is down to partnership working with supermarket staff.
“We have also been made aware of drug activity in the area. Due to our proactive patrols, we arrested two men on suspicion of possession with intent to supply.
“We also received an increase in reports of women being followed. We carried out a plain clothes operation at the relevant times, which has resulted in a man being arrested.
“There have been no further reports since.”
More activity is planned over August, which includes exploring the possibility of installing a CCTV feed from Asda to Radford Road Police Station to quickly identify crimes in action.
Chief Inspector Ebbins added: “We will continue to hold meetings and engagement events with local residents and partners to ensure that we put our resources into the concerns that matter most to them and ultimately make life as difficult as possible for those causing the most harm to the Hyson Green community.
“If residents want to raise any issues with us, then let us know. We can only act when we are supplied with information, so please get in touch with your local neighbourhood team.”
Councillor Corall Jenkins, Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, Waste and Equalities said: “This is a collective step forward in addressing the challenges our communities have flagged, and I’m proud of the difference this joint action is making.
“Our Council Plan sets out a clear vision to build vibrant, connected and resilient community where everyone feels a sense of belonging and pride. With this increased enforcement, community engagement, and partnership activity in Hyson Green, I know that we are laying the groundwork for long-term improvement.
“I want to say a huge thank you to all our hardworking teams and partners who make this possible. Whether it’s tackling anti-social behaviour, cleaning fly tipping, or supporting vulnerable people, this is all about creating a city that’s clean, safe, and thriving.”
Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden added: “This is exactly the kind of targeted, responsive neighbourhood policing that our communities expect and deserve through the Safer Streets Summer Initiative.
“The reduction in anti-social behaviour in Hyson Green is a clear demonstration of what can be achieved when police, local authorities, businesses, and residents work together.
“I’m particularly pleased to see proactive steps being taken to address public concerns around drug activity, aggressive begging and the safety of women in the area.
“This work aligns directly with the priorities set out in my Police and Crime Plan, putting communities and victims first, strengthening local partnerships, and ensuring visible, effective policing in the places that need it most.”