Police issue body cams to businesses as part of plan to combat anti-social behaviour in Hawtonville, Newark
Police have provided body worn video cameras to supermarket and café staff as part of an ongoing scheme to prevent and reduce youth-related anti-social behaviour.
It is one of a range of tactics — alongside high-visibility, peak time patrols and multi-agency working — being employed by police in Operation Glenstorm, which was created to drive down anti-social behaviour in Hawtonville, Newark.
Regular issues have been reported concerning youths in large groups causing a nuisance and damage in hotspot areas by climbing onto the roofs of shops, throwing stones at buildings, stealing items from shops, being abusive towards staff, and refusing to leave premises when asked to do so.
PC Eden Sisson, of the Newark and Sherwood neighbourhood policing team, said: “We take all incidents of anti-social behaviour very seriously as we know it significantly impacts daily life, causing people harassment, alarm, and distress.
“Whether it’s members of staff just doing their job, members of the public doing their shopping, or going out for a coffee with their friends, people don’t want to be affected by large groups of youths causing distress, trying to intimidate people, and generally making everyday life a misery for other people.
“We don’t want to be arresting young people but if they have committed a crime then we will deal with that proportionately and make sure they are dealt with in the correct way.
“As part of our ongoing operation to tackle anti-social behaviour, and to support affected businesses, we have issued body worn video cameras to staff member which they can activate and wear during their shifts, acting as a deterrent.
“Their use of the body cams can also provide us with extra evidence that we might need if an individual does commit a crime.
“We’ve had some really good feedback from the companies we have issued the cameras to in the Hawtonville area.”
Among the venues which have been impacted by the disruptive behaviour is Heron Foods, in Cardinal Square.
Police secured funding to issue five body cams to the store — with guidance from officers on how to use them — to help deter offending an offer extra protection for staff.
Since their roll-out in the shop in November, neighbourhood officers have not received any further reports of anti-social behaviour-related disorder at the premises.
Store manager Kevin Rotchell said: “We really appreciate being provided with these cameras. My staff do use them for protection, particularly late at night, and it has also been reassuring to see police cars covering this area.”
More lighting and signage has been installed in the area, and two additional cameras have been provided to a leisure centre where youths have congregated within its café area and caused problems.
Officers continue to enforce a public space protection order authorised by the council which covers the area, and allows for youths involved in anti-social behaviour to be ordered to leave the area for 48 hours and risk being arrested if they do not comply.
As a result of the crackdown, letters have already been issued to the parents or carers of 15 youths, warning that enforcement action could be taken against their children if they are involved in recurring anti-social behaviour and their tenancies could be put at risk if these warnings are ignored.
Neighbourhood police have also visited affected venues to provide crime prevention and security advice, and carried out home visits to speak with parents of children involved in anti-social behaviour.
As well as enforcement, officers have also been focused on engaging with young people and building relationships, including helping to secure funds to repair a pool table and provide board games at Hawtonville Young People's Centre, where a graffiti workshop has also been funded as a positive diversionary activity.
PC Sisson added: “Our operation isn’t just about enforcement, it’s also about positive engagement with our young people and working with them.
"It’s really important for us to build good relationships with them so that they know they can approach us and actually talk to us if they have any issues.
“If they learn to trust us and work with us, then hopefully they will see that we’re trying to help them and encourage them to make better choices.
“To help us prevent and reduce anti-social behaviour we’re urging parents just to make sure they know where their children are and what they’re up to when they’re out and about.
“We don’t want to have to bring them home to their parents to tell them what they’ve been doing. We also don’t want to have to be knocking on their doors to deliver the upsetting news if someone is seriously injured, or worse, because unbeknown to them, their children have been trespassing at sites, climbing unsafe roofs, or playing in dangerous derelict buildings.”
Paul Peacock, Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “We work extremely closely with Nottinghamshire Police and other partners to tackle anti-social behaviour in our communities.
"No-one should be impacted by anti-social behaviour while they are going about their job, or spending time in their local community.
"The introduction of body worn cameras for local businesses is a practical and effective step in helping to deter unacceptable behaviour and protect staff.
"This initiative, alongside our youth engagement, diversionary activities and environmental improvements, demonstrates our shared commitment to making Hawtonville a safer and more welcoming place for everyone.
"We will continue to take robust action where necessary, while also supporting positive opportunities for young people to thrive.”
Young offenders may also be referred into the county’s Immediate Justice scheme, led by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, which aims to prevent re-offending by giving them the chance to take immediate responsibility for their actions by completing community-based activity, or be put on education programmes which will also identify any safeguarding considerations.
Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden said: “This is a fantastic example of proactive partnership working delivering real results for businesses and the wider community.
"By listening to residents and supporting practical, preventative measures like body worn cameras, we’re seeing a tangible reduction in antisocial behaviour in areas like Hawtonville.
"Importantly, this work also goes hand in hand with our longer-term support for young people — from diversionary activities at the local youth centre to our Immediate Justice scheme — we’re focused on tackling the root causes of antisocial behaviour while also ensuring those affected by it feel safer and more supported.”
