Residents said they are pleased to see Newark Police introduce a new rapid response vehicle, specifically to help tackle antisocial behaviour across the Newark and Sherwood district. The new vehicle is a double crewed police car, which will allow officers to respond to instances of anti-social behaviour quicker, as well as attending more incidents.
The response vehicle will be driven by dedicated officers, who's sole focus is to tackle anti-social behaviour as part of Operation Renegade. This new car will also become a regular sight for local residents, as it is expected to help increase police presence in the area.
During each day of the summer holidays the new vehicle will be on patrol to help put a stop to and prevent anti-social behaviour, such as vandalism, off-road biking and other unpleasant behaviour. This new squad car is part of the extra provisions introduced by the force to tackle anti-social behaviour, but visible patrols are also being increased and more plain clothes officers will also be out in Newark town centre.
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Sergeant Rob Harrison, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We’re not going to be able to get to every single call of ASB as it happens, we know that, but this should certainly help us make some headway into dealing with the ringleaders and support victims. If there is a breaking report of ASB, we will be able to get there quickly under blue lights, and there will be at least one police constable on board with the powers needed to take action, where necessary.
“Having the car available will allow us to respond to these reports of nuisance behaviour and get there in time to actually do something about it. Rather than looking at other demand, these dedicated officers’ sole job will be the Op Renegade car – they won’t be tasked with anything else during that time – so they’ll be able to be out there, visible, and tackling ASB.
“Obviously, there will be times when we won’t be able to bring the car out due to operational demands, but over the summer holidays, it should be out all day, every day, and it’ll be out at the weekend and during peak times too.”
Residents are pleased that more is being done to tackle the issue. Charity shop worker, Ian Johnson, 57, of Southwell, said: "It sounds like a good idea definitely.
"I know it's been the summer break and some youngsters might get restless and bored and they might decided to get up to some anti-social behaviour. I was here (Newark town centre) the other day actually and I think there was some youngsters or youths with a spray can and they we spraying it across the market stalls.
"I did see the police arrive." He described the new police vehicle and increased patrols as a "good" thing for the area.
Newark resident, Kerri McGarregle, 40, explained she thought the new initiative would also be a great idea. She said: "Yeah of course. I think there's a general assumption about anti-social behaviour problems being caused in the community, and people are getting confused about who is causing it.
"I think it's really important that they get the visibility and the new vehicle will help with that and it will help the local community."
When asked about his thoughts, retired Philip Conford, 74, of Newark, said: "Well about an hour ago I was talking to a friend who is also a local resident and we were saying that what we really need, and I know it sounds old fashioned, but we need more bobbies on the beat.
"We need much more police presence. More police presence is a good thing."
Speaking about the new vehicle, Philip added: "It sounds like this is a good idea, and would mean we see the police more."
