Riverside

Theft from motor vehicles:
You said: coming to the later months, theft from motor vehicles increase

At the beginning of the month, the Riverside beat experienced four reports of theft from motor vehicles, resulting in a number of valuable items being stolen. In response, the beat team has used local events and drop-in sessions to reinforce crime prevention advice, including reminders to remove all valuables from vehicles when parked, particularly in and around the city centre.

Officers have also conducted high-visibility patrols in key locations, including the Holiday Inn and Newarke Street car parks, to provide reassurance to the public and act as a deterrent to anyone considering targeting vehicles in these areas. Unfortunately, these car parks, including the staff multi-storey of the LRI, have been targeted. We have been informed by businesses that not all of the thefts or criminal damages have been reported to police. We encourage you to report anything that has happened to your vehicle so we can understand the severity of the issue and help target offenders and bring them to justice.

Darker Nights:
You said: as days get shorter, being out within the darker hours can make people feel unsafe

As the darker evenings have arrived, the Riverside beat team has been out and about providing reassurance to local residents and visiting businesses across the area. These patrols not only offer opportunities for the community to speak with officers and raise any concerns, but also act as a visible deterrent to potential offenders.

We have identified key locations used by the public and have focused our patrols in areas including Castle Gardens, Nelson Mandela Park and the DMU campus. Maintaining a visible presence in these locations helps to reassure those using the area and supports our aim of ensuring people feel safe in their community, regardless of the time of day.

During our community events, particularly those involving young people, we have also been sharing personal safety advice for travelling after dark. This includes encouraging people to stay in groups where possible, keep others informed of their whereabouts, use well-lit routes and avoid displaying valuable items while out and about.

Burglaries:
You said: as we come into the darker months and leading up to the festive period, burglaries increase and are highly impactive to residents and businesses

Throughout October, the Riverside beat team carried out a number of initiatives to raise awareness of burglary offences and provide crime prevention advice to residents. This included conducting a residential leaflet drop covering Jarrom Street, Grasmere Street, Rydal Street and surrounding areas.

Unfortunately, there have been reports of residential burglaries in the Regent Road area and at some student accommodation sites. PCSOs have supported ongoing investigations and enquiries aimed at identifying those responsible.

Officers have continued to provide advice on home and business security, including the importance of keeping doors, windows and gates secured, avoiding leaving valuables visible from outside, and ensuring properties appear occupied when unattended. Residents and business owners have also been encouraged to consider additional security measures such as CCTV, alarms and exterior lighting to help deter offenders and protect their property.