Safer Streets interventions having desired effect in Gedling
Enhanced safety measures have led to a 57% fall in personal robbery in Woodthorpe in Gedling.
There has also been a 18% reduction in vehicle crime thanks to the installation of new CCTV cameras and ongoing work by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire, Nottinghamshire Police and partners to make the area a safer and even more welcoming place.
The crime reductions were over the last 12 months from April 2024 when the project started, compared to the previous three-year average.
Furthermore, statistics have shown a 57% reduction in bicycle theft and a 21% drop in public disorder offences.
Funded by the Home Office’s Safer Streets programme and coordinated by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire, the project has focused on reducing crime, antisocial behaviour, and violence against women and girls through a range of measures.
Visitors to Arnot Hill Park – a Green Flag accredited park which attracts hundreds of visitors daily - are now benefitting from the upgrades to all Victorian style lighting within the park, which vastly improves visibility in the evenings.
Environmental improvements have taken place to trim back overgrowth and increase visibility for existing CCTV cameras in the park to reduce blind-spots which could have led to an increase in antisocial behaviour.
Furthermore, cyclists visiting the park have taken advantage of new bicycle lockers which allow them to safety secure their bikes whilst visiting the park using a dedicated locker, greatly reducing the risk of bicycle thefts in the area.
Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden said: "The Safer Streets project in Gedling has had a really positive impact, bringing visible improvements to popular areas such as Arnot Hill Park.
“The new lighting and CCTV cameras have vastly improved feelings of safety for locals, while helping to reduce rates of crime.
“Partnership working and targeted investment has been key to improving areas in Gedling as we continue to strive to make Nottinghamshire a safer place for all.”
Gill Elliot, a regular visitor to Arnot Hill Park, praised the new safety interventions.
She said: “I just love it here. It’s a place my late husband and I used to adore coming. I feel safe at the park, and I wouldn’t come if I didn’t. It’s just a brilliant place to be.”
As well as being a popular local hotspot, Arnot Hill Park is also home to Gedling Borough Council offices.
Laura Chaplin, Legal Services Manager and Data Protection Officer at Gedling Borough Council, said: “As a regular user of the car parks surrounding Arnot Hill House the improvements to the lighting can only be seen as having a positive impact, by assisting in deterring criminal activity, helping people to feel more secure and reducing the risk of accidents.”
This was in the 12 months from October 2022 when the project started, compared to the previous three-year average.
Sergeant Alison Riley, of the Gedling neighbourhood policing team, said: “Arnot Hill Park is a very popular local green space so it is pleasing to hear it has become an even safer and more pleasant place to visit.
“Antisocial behaviour is a priority for our team as we understand the impact it can have on our communities.
“Any reduction in these offences across Gedling is to be welcomed and shows this raft of new safety measures, as well as our team’s efforts on patrol, is making real improvements to people’s lives.”
Cllr David Ellis, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection at Gedling Borough Council said: “These results show just how effective targeted investment and partnership working can be in tackling crime and antisocial behaviour.
“The improvements in Arnot Hill Park and surrounding areas are making a real difference to residents’ lives, helping people feel safer and more confident in their communities”.
The previous round of Safer Streets funding which benefitted the Gedling Borough was utilised in Netherfield and Colwick and saw patrols by street wardens, a new Shop Watch radio scheme, CCTV and free home security devices.
This combined with the ongoing work by Nottinghamshire Police and Gedling Borough Council and led to house burglary in the area decrease by 57% and vehicle crime by 67%.
To report antisocial behaviour in your neighbourhood, call Nottinghamshire Police on 101 or visit the web page linked below to report.
Report antisocial behaviour | Nottinghamshire Police
In an emergency, you should always call 999.