A community garden in Nottinghamshire blighted by antisocial behaviour is flourishing once again after incidents dramatically fell by 97 per cent with the help of targeted police action.
Cotgrave Community Garden in Rushcliffe had experienced issues with young people breaking down fences to access the site.
There had also been instances of a polytunnel greenhouse being slashed, plants and produce being deliberately uprooted, littering, and drug use.
Nottinghamshire Police implemented a problem management plan to help resolve the incidents, which is used by officers to analyse a recurring issue and achieve the best possible outcome for communities.
A total of 21 incidents were reported to Nottinghamshire Police in 2023, with 33 reports the following year, which peaked over the summer months.
Since the plan was established in May 2024, just one unrelated call has been received so far in 2025, when a young person accessed the site to retrieve a football – a reduction of 97 per cent.
Crime prevention officers completed a site survey to identify vulnerable areas, make recommendations to install new security measures, and advise on the most reasonable ways to reduce crime.
As a result, the perimeter fence has been repaired and upgraded, anti-climb paint has been applied, and thorny shrubs have been planted to act as a natural barrier.
New CCTV cameras, which are regularly monitored, and signage have also been installed to prevent and deter trespassers from accessing the garden.
Two young people identified as responsible for incidents at the garden were made subject to a community protection warning.
The warning outlines specific antisocial behaviour that an individual agrees to stop and can ban them from returning to an area.
It is an opportunity to address issues without formal sanctions. If breached, it can be used as evidence to illustrate that further enforcement action is required, such as a community protection notice.
Failure to comply with these notices can lead to offenders being fined or facing court action.
PC John Cross, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We know the toll that this nuisance behaviour has on communities, which is why we take these concerns so seriously.
“Young people were using the garden as a space to socialise, but were also causing criminal damage, which just isn’t acceptable.
“The parents of young people involved have been made aware of their child’s behaviour, and since the warnings were issued, they have not been seen in the area, and reports have decreased.
“This is in addition to increased proactive high-visibility patrols in the area, and we held a productive meeting with concerned parties to help resolve these issues.
“It’s encouraging that our problem-solving approach to tackle antisocial behaviour in Cotgrave is proving effective.
“Though being a child does not excuse antisocial behaviour, any response must be proportionate.
“This is very much a first step. If behaviour persists, we have a range of escalating sanctions available to us.
“I would encourage residents to report all instances of antisocial behaviour to Nottinghamshire Police as this helps identify areas of concern and allows officers to attend incidents at the earliest opportunity.”
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