Crime is down by 18% in Newark and Sherwood, making it the best performing area in Nottinghamshire

The District Council is committed to working with Nottinghamshire Police and the Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner to improve the security of the district and reduce crime.

Since the launch of the Newark Safer Streets campaign in September 2020, considerable strides have been made in reducing crime and increasing public safety.

The Safer Streets project is a partnership between the Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Nottinghamshire Police, Newark and Sherwood District Council and Nottinghamshire County Council to improve security in areas particularly affected by acquisitive crimes such as burglary, vehicle theft and robbery. It includes a package of measures to deter crime and anti-social behaviour.

Works at Chatham Court and the Northgate area of Newark over the last year have included:

• More than 100 street lights being upgraded as we know improved visibility helps deter would-be criminals from striking in a location where they can be more easily seen
• Re-deployable, high definition CCTV cameras were installed in hotspot areas to provide increased coverage of locations affected by crime
• Organising security bike marking events and supplying high quality bike locks to residents
• On-street cycle stores have been upgraded to more secure designs and new, top of the range, cycle ‘pods’ have been installed elsewhere in the district
• The District Council continues to undertake environmental improvements, tackling physical issues that encourage further crime in an area, such as litter, graffiti removal and fly-tipping
• Victims of, or those most vulnerable to burglary in these areas, are eligible for free security improvements such as new fencing, high-security doors, windows or even 4G solar-powered security cameras
• Communal entrances to flats were upgraded providing a remote video entry system and improved door closure and locking systems to deter unwanted visitors
• A community hub has been opened at Chatham Court, converting a former District Council flat into a one-stop-shop for a range of Council and Police services and initiatives for residents who are benefiting from face-to-face contact for a variety of matters including housing and tenancy support as well as community safety and security concerns

A consultation took place for residents in the Mill Gate and surrounding areas of Newark to ask the local community about safety in their area and to share their ideas on how it could be improved.  A further two drop-in sessions will take place on 7 January at Howes Court Community Centre and on 26 January at Cleveland Square Community Centre for residents living in these areas.

Councillor David Lloyd, Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “This is an example of partnership working at its best. Anything we can do to make it harder for criminals to operate is positive and there are still more activities to come.

“Our priority is always to make sure our district remains a safe and welcoming place to live, work and visit. The District Council is committed to making Newark and Sherwood cleaner, safer and greener and this project is making a real, tangible difference to the lives of residents. Burglary, vehicle crime and bicycle theft have a devastating effect on people and each and every one of these measures is enabling us to keep driving down crime in a targeted way.”

Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry said: “I am delighted with this impressive reduction in crime which is first and foremost testament to the hard work and dedication of neighbourhood policing officers in Newark. 

“We knew our Safer Streets investment would take time to make an impact and it is hugely gratifying to see these positive outcomes now coming to fruition. On top of these results, we know that local people feel safer and their fear of crime has reduced which is enormously important for wellbeing and resilience. We will not, however, rest on our laurels as there is much more to do.”  

Chief Inspector Heather Sutton, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “It is great to hear that crime rates have fallen in the Newark and Sherwood area of the county.

“The Safer Streets project has no doubt benefitted these figures and is a great way to improve security in the district and help keep residents feeling safe and protected.

“This fall in crime comes after recent national statistics released in November this year showed Nottinghamshire’s overall crime falling by more than three times the national average – meaning there were around 11,000 fewer victims of crime in the last year compared to the previous year.

“The force is committed to working alongside Newark and Sherwood District Council and the Police and Crime Commissioner to make sure people are kept safe and feel protected in their own homes and while out and about.”