Riverside Beat Priority Update

Good evening all, 

I hope you are all keeping well and get to enjoy Halloween and the upcoming weekend.

Please see the following updates in relation to the Riverside beat monthly priorities.

Anti-social behaviour in open spaces: 

Officers have been actively patrolling key open spaces including Castle Gardens, Nelson Mandela Park, the NCP car parks, and the De Montfort University (DMU) grounds to deter crime and reassure the public.

During one of these patrols, a suspicious male was stop-searched in Nelson Mandela Park and found to be in possession of illegal drugs. In a separate incident, another male attempted to evade PC Ian but was swiftly detained and arrested for burglary and a recall to prison.

PC Fabian also made a significant arrest in the Jarrom Street area, where a male was found in possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply, as well as carrying a bladed article in a public place.

In addition to these proactive patrols, the beat team are developing intelligence gathered from members of the public during recent beat engagements. This information is helping to identify individuals involved not only in anti-social behaviour in open spaces, but also those linked to wider criminal activity.

These actions reflect our continued commitment to tackling crime and keeping our communities safe.

Burglaries and Retail Theft:

In response to ongoing reports of theft from Grasmere Street, Sergeant Wilson coordinated a joint three-day operation with One Stop and their Tactical Support Team. This targeted initiative resulted in eight arrests of individuals involved in shoplifting.

The beat team have also formally identified four suspects linked to six separate shop thefts across the area, demonstratig the effectiveness of continued investigative work.

Our PCSOs have been engaging with the community through crime prevention events focused on burglary awareness. These sessions were supported by information shared via Neighbourhood Link and social media to reach a wider audience.

A known burglar was recently arrested by the beat team, charged, and remanded for multiple offences, further reinforcing our commitment to tackling repeat offenders.

Additionally, meetings have been held with local retailers to explore preventative measures ahead of the busy Christmas period, aiming to reduce opportunities for theft and improve overall safety.

Darker Nights Campaign:

This priority has focused on supporting DMU students, NHS staff, and late-night workers who travel on foot or by bicycle during the night. Officers have delivered crime prevention and personal safety advice at key locations, encouraging individuals to take simple but effective measures to protect themselves and their property. These include informing someone of their whereabouts, walking in well-lit areas, travelling in groups, and staying connected via phone.

To enhance visibility and deter criminal activity, high-visibility patrols have been conducted around hospital grounds and along routes between public car parks. Officers also engaged directly with students at Primus Edge to discuss safety concerns and offer practical advice.

To further raise awareness, social media campaigns are being launched to remind the public of key safety tips and encourage them to speak with the beat team if they have any concerns.

If you have any concerns or issues, please don't hesitate to report it to us!

Stay safe out there. 

Sgt 1509 David Wilson