Safer Streets Summer brings tough action and community support to Newark

Residents and businesses in Newark are already seeing the benefits of a targeted campaign to tackle antisocial behaviour and improve safety in the town centre this summer.

The action forms part of the national Safer Streets Summer Initiative, a coordinated effort led by Police and Crime Commissioners and Chief Constables across England and Wales to deliver high-visibility policing, meaningful engagement, and fast-track interventions in crime and antisocial behaviour hotspots.

Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden and Temporary Chief Constable Steve Cooper last week (1 July) joined the Newark Neighbourhood Policing Team for a Public Trust Patrol an initiative designed to get senior leaders back on the ground, listening to residents and ensuring community concerns are acted upon quickly and effectively.

Their visit came as Newark was confirmed as one of ten key locations across Nottinghamshire receiving intensive support over the summer through Safer Streets Summer, backed by the Government’s Hotspot Policing Fund.

“Residents in Newark have told us they want to see visible policing, fast responses to issues like antisocial behaviour, and real investment in community safety,” said Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden.

“This summer, that’s exactly what we’re delivering with increased patrols, new enforcement powers, community engagement, and targeted days of action.

“By working closely with councils and community partners, we’re tackling the issues that matter from fly-tipping to antisocial behaviour and showing what real joined-up action can achieve.”

“Last week was also Antisocial Behaviour Awareness Week, so it’s a timely reminder of why this work matters and the real difference it’s making to people’s daily lives.”

Among the work already underway and planned for Newark this summer:

• Days of action to tackle street drinking, supported by local police and Newark and Sherwood District Council’s Antisocial Behaviour and Community Protection Officers.
• A renewed push on graffiti and environmental crime, including commitments to remove racist and offensive graffiti within 36 hours and all fly-tipping within 48 hours.
• Enforcement of Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) with joint patrols targeting those breaching restrictions in public areas.
• Community safety support for youth initiatives, including the School Safety Challenge, which focuses on antisocial behaviour, first aid, and personal safety.
• Additional resources to support the Holiday Activities and Food programme, ensuring more children and families benefit from healthy meals and safe activities during school breaks.
• On-going work through Community Alcohol Partnerships, using local intelligence and pub watch networks to reduce alcohol-related harm.

The Safer Streets Summer Initiative is not just about enforcement it’s about collaboration.

The programme is bringing together police, local authorities, public health, youth services and the voluntary sector to deliver a joined-up response to complex issues like substance misuse, youth offending, and community vulnerability.

“This summer we’re working smarter, not just harder,” said District Commander for Newark, Inspector Charlotte Ellam.

“By coordinating our response across partners, we’re targeting the root causes of antisocial behaviour and using local insight to deploy the right resource in the right place at the right time.

“Our teams are out in the community every day speaking with residents, working with local businesses, and following up directly on the concerns raised.

“This is neighbourhood policing in action, and the impact is already being felt.”

As well as enhanced patrols, officers are also preparing for further joint days of action in partnership with environmental enforcement teams, building on successful operations like Operation Rogue Trader—which targets unlawful commercial activity and waste-related crime in the area.

Other activity in Newark this summer includes:

• Targeted business waste checks and support for town centre improvements in conjunction with Newark in Bloom.
• Community engagement at Hawtonville and other Community Alcohol Partnership areas through diversionary activity and youth outreach.
• Expanded local communications across Newark and Sherwood District Council platforms to promote safety messages and encourage reporting of antisocial behaviour.
• Creative clean-up campaigns, supporting parish-led initiatives and working closely with those wanting to play their part in restoring community pride.

Councillor Paul Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection and Community Relations at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “Newark and Sherwood District Council is absolutely committed to doing everything we can to tackle anti-social behaviour and to ensure our area is safe for residents and visitors.

“The Safer Streets Summer Initiative is just one of a number of projects we’ve supported designed to engage with residents to raise awareness of the dangers of anti-social behaviour as well as putting measures in place to tackle it directly.

“During the past year, we’ve brought in new CCTV at St Mary Magdalene’s Church Remembrance Gardens, created plans for a brand new centralised CCTV control room, have secured a number of closure orders and injunctions against serious ASB offenders, organised several educational workshops such as Prison me No Way and Safety Awareness events which were attended by more than 900 pupils and made a commitment to supporting survivors of domestic abuse by working towards the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance Accreditation.

“By working closely with Nottinghamshire Police and other partners, we are ensuring that our efforts are focused on addressing the concerns of residents living in Newark and improving the quality of life for everyone.

“These initiatives show we remain as focused, as ever, on creating a safer district in which residents and businesses feel secure and supported.”

Further Safer Streets Summer walkabouts and days of action are scheduled to take place in areas across the county, including Mansfield, Arnold, Beeston and West Bridgford, as the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire continues its push to strengthen neighbourhood policing, tackle antisocial behaviour, and ensure safer, stronger communities for all.