By Henry Green
People in Arnold have spoken out after criminal damage and anti-social behaviour has left them defenceless.
Labour MP Michael Payne says he has received reports of the behaviour on Sunday, October 27.
Incidents include a large group of teenagers harassing a couple and throwing rocks at them around George Street and Nottingham Road.
In a letter Mr Payne posted on social media, he called on Kate Meynell, Nottinghamshire Police’s chief constable, and Gary Godden (Lab), the county’s police and crime commissioner to help tackle the disorder.
He called for a ‘zero-tolerance approach’ to deal with the issue.
In the letter, he added that he is “committed to working hard to make our streets safer for the law-abiding majority”.
Notts TV visited the high street on Wednesday (October 30) and spoke to some businesses about the recent incidents.
All business owners and staff we spoke to were happy to talk, but none wanted to be named in case it reflected negatively or led to repercussions.
One pub staff member said: “Our customers have been affected by groups of young people verbally abusing them.
“There are constantly kids going through Arnold on E-Scooters and bikes, our landlady was almost run over by a kid on a bike with a balaclava on yesterday,” they added.
Arnold residents also said that Asda’s Arnold Superstore security was regularly verbally abused with cars in the area being damaged and vandalised.
One business owner also said: “There are constantly kids on scooters going around the area with balaclavas on.
“Kids are climbing on roofs and there is a lot of shoplifting in the area and at places like Asda and B&M,” he added.
Businesses and residents fear that during the October half-term break the behaviour may worsen.
The recent spates of crime led to Gedling’s Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Heather Harding issuing a reassurance to Arnold residents.
In a statement, she said: “I would like to reassure the local community that we are aware of a group of children who have been reportedly causing anti-social behaviour in the town centre area.
“We are working with the council to identify the people involved with a view of taking enforcement action where circumstances allow.
“There is currently an operation in place which has allowed me to staff additional patrols in the area to deter incidents, identify offenders and take positive action.
“We have reviewed the incidents that have come in over the weekend and there are minimal calls about groups or anti-social behaviour.
“There is no indication at this time to suggest that it was the same groups but our neighbourhood policing team are working to identify anyone causing problems in the local area and will take positive action wherever possible.”
In his letter, Mr Payne said incidents included a large group of teenagers harassing a couple and throwing rocks at them around George Street and Nottingham Road, with one rock causing damage to a resident’s car.
He says a group of teenagers also threatened and harassed participants of a local history walk, while there were two separate reports of a car window and front room window being smashed near Furlong Street.
He added: “This is my hometown and I won’t tolerate a loutish minority attempting to intimidate and harass people here or anywhere across the community I’m proud to serve.”
