Even though the current Tier 3 COVID-19 restrictions mean pubs in Ruddington and beyond remain closed, other than for takeaways, Rushcliffe Police warn they’re very much still on the lookout for motorists driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Commenting on two such arrests in our area today, Neighbourhood Inspector Craig Berry says: “The Rushcliffe response team were carrying out enforcement work as part of the county-wide Christmas drink and drug driving campaign. As part of this, we have access to additional resources and we are committed to carrying through the necessary activity in order to get these dangerous drivers off the road.” He adds: “Drink and drug driving is a callous and selfish act and we want to stop offenders before they cause serious havoc to an innocent person’s life.”
The Force’s Christmas safety campaign is underway after another relatively ‘quiet’ month for crime in Ruddington, according to statistics for November just released by Rushcliffe Police – during which, of course, we were mostly under a national ‘lockdown’ again due to a surge in Coronavirus cases.
The Inspector has praise for how most of us behaved through this difficult period: “Thank you for responsible way in which residents dealt with the Lockdown restrictions. There were very few penalty notices issued in Rushcliffe Borough – but we must remember we are now in the new highest level of COVID restrictions Tier 3 for good reason and so we must not let our guard down as we approach Christmas.“
However, November’s figures do show a spate of vehicle crime at the start of the month: “We had a few nights of a spike in theft from cars and attempted burglaries in Ruddington, Compton Acres and Lutterrell but a swift arrest was made by colleagues in Clifton which has changed the picture and put a stop to this issue” reveals Inspector Berry. “We are keeping a very close eye on this individual as the investigation continues.”
Ruddington Crimes reported via 101 – 1st November to 30th November 2020:
- 2nd Vehicle filled up with fuel – Loughborough Road filling station – driver left without making payment.
- 12th Suspect on numerous streets around the village trying car and house door handles – 13 offences in total. Entry was not gained to any houses, however entry was gained to some cars that were insecure and items taken. Suspect has been identified from CCTV and arrested.
- 12th Suspect entered Sainsbury’s and stole meat, coffee and cheese.
- 15th Suspect entered Sainsbury’s and stole meat – suspect arrested and charged.
- 15th Suspect entered Sainsbury’s and stole Ariel 3-in-1 pods.
- 17th Suspect entered Sainsbury’s and took items but made no payment.
- 19th Unknown suspects stole a Bobcat Mini excavator from a drive on Loughborough Road – using a box van to steal it.
You’ll note that four of the listed crimes were thefts from our ‘Sainsbury’s Local’ on Dutton’s Hill – a store that’s set to close down in February next year.
It also seems car criminals are already at work again in Ruddington this month, with one resident reporting to us that he had the catalytic converter stolen off his car on Church Street sometime between Monday 7th December at 5.30am and Tuesday 8th at 8am. This follows two similar thefts in September.
If you have further information on this, about any of the offences listed above, or you may have witnessed something or captured CCTV/dashcam footage which could help, you’re asked to call Nottinghamshire Police on 101 – otherwise contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
