Anti-social behaviour in Bingham was discussed at a special meeting co-hosted by Newark and Bingham MP, Robert Jenrick, and the Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner, with experts from Nottinghamshire Police, Bingham Town Council and Rushcliffe Borough Council.

The public aired their concerns about rising levels of anti-social behaviour – and questioned police and council members on what’s being done about it.

A special meeting was held in Bingham last week to address concerns about rising crime levels in which a host of issues were under the spotlight.

Hosted by Newark and Bingham MP Robert Jenrick, the event took place at the town’s WI Hall and was attended by a few dozen members of the public.

The panel of experts consisted of Nottinghamshire Police’s neighbourhood inspector for Rushcliffe, Tim Cuthbert; Bingham Town Clerk, Joanne Riddle; and Rushcliffe Borough Council’s service neighbourhoods manager, Geoff Carpenter – and was co-hosted with Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Caroline Henry.

A number of issues were raised at the meeting, including police misconduct and illegal gypsy and traveller sites, but the main focus of the evening was to look at what was being done to tackle anti-social behaviour.

Inspector Cuthbert explained that one of the most important steps being taken was the installation of seven new CCTV cameras in Bingham town centre, funded through the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Safer Streets project.

He said: “The cameras will be monitored at Nottinghamshire Police headquarters and will be available to review at any time.

“They will be in and around the Market Place and town centre in hotspot areas and the mere existence of CCTV will act as a deterrent against crime.

“They are also re-deployable, which means that they can be moved to where they are most effective and the positioning of them is based on data.”

A public consultation on the locations of these cameras ends February 29.

The number of police officers and community support officers was also raised as a concern, with many asking for more

In 2019, the government made a commitment to increasing police numbers and Commisioner Henry confirmed that Nottinghamshire had been allocated an additional 350 officers during this time, with a further 50 coming in the future.

Inspector Cuthbert added: “Over time visibility will increase with more resources.

“We want to start doubling up on beat teams and create a balance between on foot and vehicle patrols so that we are as effective as possible.”

One woman, who didn’t give her name, raised specific concerns about groups of youths that had been abusive towards residents and kicking front doors.

Another member of the public said: “I’ve lived here for 38 years and it is upsetting to see how things have changed and it’s really affecting people.”

In response, a Bingham-based police officer in the audience said: “We have been carrying out targeted patrols and regularly meeting at schools to try and educate and these kids.

“At the end of the day we want to make sure that we can distinguish between kids that are just bored and those engaging in criminal behaviour.

“The most important thing is that people report it because the more we know, the more we can do.”

Shoplifting is also a regular occurrence in Rushcliffe – the most common type of crime reported across the borough.

Police said they are issuing criminal behaviour orders banning individuals from entering shops, reviewing all CCTV and working with shops to design store layouts so high value items are more difficult to steal.

An officer added: “It is 15% of people doing 80% of the crime.

“The majority will be known to us, will be locked up for a few years and, as soon as they are released, will begin the old behaviour again.

“With this level of repeat offending we have to look at the other issues that could be causing it, if it’s drugs related or financial.

“We need to work differently to break the cycle, not keep putting them in prison.”

The chair of Flintham Parish Council was also in attendance and raised concerns about the former Islamic Institute in Flintham becoming a draw for anti-social behaviour, with people breaking gates to gain entry.

She said: “It’s a derelict hall and every summer it attracts people.

“They litter, they cause damage, they are obnoxious. It’s a very seasonal thing, as soon as the weather gets better, something needs to be done”

Geoff Carpenter said that the borough council is in the process of formulating a long term plan for the site which they hope will stop the issues.

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