It seems the various building sites around Ruddington at the moment are presenting new opportunities for criminals.
The latest village crime statistics just released by Rushcliffe Police show that, last month, Linden Homes’ ‘Blacksmith’s Green’ development was targeted again by thieves – who this time managed to get away with thousands of pounds worth of scaffolding from its construction site. This follows previous thefts of building items from its Flawforth Lane site the previous month – plus a diesel road roller from the Avant Homes development on Asher Lane and damage to vehicles at the Bloor Homes site on Wilford Road earlier on this year.
The force’s Ruddington figures for 1st to 31st July 2021 also flag up the continuing problems of vandalism at The Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre and vehicle damage along Elms Park, as detailed below:
12th A group have climbed the fence and entered the Heritage Centre and forced entry in to a coach.
15th Damage caused to a glass panel in a train cab at the Heritage Centre.
15th Unknown suspect has stolen £6000 of scaffolding from the building site on Flawforth Lane.
16th Known suspect has entered a property and stolen cash. Suspect has been arrested and charged.
25th Unknown suspect has thrown a plant pot at a car parked on Elms Park, causing damage.
25th Three cars broken into on Salcombe Crescent suspect unknown some items recovered.
26th During the early hours a suspect has caused damage to four cars on Elms park and damaged the windows at The Frame Breakers – investigation ongoing
If you have further information about any of the crimes recorded above, or may have captured CCTV or dashcam footage which could help, you’re asked to call Nottinghamshire Police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
A police statement on this further criminal damage inflicted at our Transport Heritage Centre says: “The site is a valuable part of the Ruddington Community as well as an attraction for visitors from out of the area. Although the lines are not live there are still many hazards to trespassers. The staff and volunteers work tirelessly to maintain the site, and are being subjected to verbal abuse which is unwarranted.”
Officers add: “Please speak with your young people about the dangers of playing on train lines and the importance of maintaining our historical places, so that children and adults for years to come can still take pleasure in them.”
Another item of police news is the departure of Rushcliffe Police Inspector Craig Berry to take up a new posting at Force Headquarters.
Before leaving his role in July he wrote: “I just wanted to say thank you to the residents and stakeholders of Rushcliffe. Over the last five years I have seen first-hand the fantastic support you give to policing. We have worked together to reduce crime and keep people safe. I believe we have made a positive difference to people’s lives, and I am sure going forward you will support Inspector Rob Lawton who I know will do his very best for you.”
