As Ruddington heads into the festive season, Rushcliffe Police have released their latest monthly statistics showing that reported crime here more than doubled in a month.
Whilst only four crimes were listed during October, new November statistics show nine separate offences in our village which were reported to officers online or via 101. However, this is still significantly lower than in some previous months, and none of the offences was very serious.
They include the previously reported breaking of two windows at Gino’s Ristorante on Church Street, two drive-offs from the Loughborough Road filling station and incidents of theft, criminal damage and antisocial/threatening behaviour. (The full November list is below*.)
It’s also anticipated some people failing to comply with legally binding COVID-19 face mask wearing in our shops and on public transport, just re-introduced by the Government, alongside festive revelry, may push up the number of reported offences further during December.
Ruddington Beat Manager, PC Cai Kemish, who compiled the latest crime figures, reveals: “During the week commencing 15th November additional ‘Operation Sceptre’ patrols were conducted in Ruddington and other areas of Rushcliffe – a national campaign to target knife crime. On 18th November local Neighbourhood Policing officers were on patrol when they sighted a vehicle, officers then stopped the vehicle which contained two persons and officers located a lock knife in the driver’s door pocket. One male was subsequently arrested and later charged with possessing a bladed article in a public place.”
Inspector Rob Lawton, Rushcliffe’s new Neighbourhood Policing Inspector (who took over the job from Inspector Craig Berry in July) is reassuring residents that both the Neighbourhood Policing and ‘Operation Reacher’ teams are receiving additional training. “Recently they were trained in the use of the ‘Speed Gun’ and have been in the area at some key points raised (by the public) in relation to speeding” says Inspector Lawton.
He adds: “I have really enjoyed getting to know the area, partners and the people. There are conversations where it is clear we, as the police, need to improve or have not got things right. Being accountable as your local Neighbourhood Policing Inspector is important to me.”
*Crimes reported via 101 or online in Ruddington from 1st November – 30th November 2021:
1st November – Unknown offender/s has causes damage to two small single paned windows on Church Street. (Gino’s Ristorante)
5th November – Caller reports a very strong laser pen has been pointing out of an upstairs window from a house on Bretsill Drive directly onto caller’s window causing blurry vision and headache.
5th November – Unknown suspect has driven onto the service station on Loughborough Road forecourt and has then fuelled her vehicle with £88.69 worth of fuel. The suspect has then driven away without making any effort to enter the service station to pay for the fuel.
6th November – Caller reports between 1730 – 1900 hours caller had parked her car on Mere Way, unknown offender have damaged the car by scratching the whole length of the driver’s side of the car, no other cars appeared to have been damaged during this time.
18th November – Caller reporting an unknown person has threatened him by making a gesture of slitting his throat. Caller described the male as a white male in his 60s with a white beard wearing brown work boots with blue trousers and long sleeved grey jacket.
20th November – Unknown offenders have thrown eggs at the front window of victim between 19:30 hours and 20:00 hours on Martin Crescent before running off.
22nd November – Unknown offenders have smashed rear window and gained entry in to vehicle and stolen 4 bags of tools from within, making off without being seen.
23rd November – Unknown suspect filled vehicle with fuel to value of £20.01 at the service station on Loughborough Road and drove off without making payment.
26th November – Unknown offender has stolen a bike that was locked up outside chip shop on Church Street between hours of 17:00 – 10:20 hours.
If you can help PC Kemish and his team with further information about any of the reported incidents above, or may have captured CCTV footage which could be helpful, you’re asked to get in touch as soon as possible.
You can contact Nottinghamshire Police online >>HERE<<. Otherwise you may call officers on 101 or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Remember, you should dial 999 only in an emergency – if you see a crime actually taking place.
