A local police officer has shared the concerns within the community amid a recent rise in criminal activity in Hucknall and suggested that one way to combat it could be for local residents to form their own neighbourhood watch scheme.

In recent weeks, in Hucknall, there has been an increase in thefts from, and damage to, motor vehicles as well as associated offences.

There have also been high profile crimes such as a robbery from an off-license on Watnall Road and a street fight on Nabbs Lane. Police have made arrests and charged suspects in both cases.

All of this has seen comments on social media go into overdrive with understandably worried residents sharing their concerns, and in some cases information, to help others avoid becoming victims of crime.

As well as confirming that police patrols have been increased in response to the recent incidents, Inspector Jon Hewitt, Ashfield District Commander has commented that he feels the town would benefit from an official neighbourhood watch scheme.

Neighbourhood Watch notice cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Kenneth Allen - geograph.org.uk/p/3217359

Groups can be started through the 'ourwatch' website, details of which can be found by clicking here. It asks people to consider why the area needs a neighbourhood watch and what resources will be required to help it operate efficiently. There is then a requirement to register with the site before applying to start a scheme.

Speaking exclusively to Hucknall Nub News, Inspector Hewitt said: "I have seen the Hucknall Cracks Crime Facebook page which appears to be operating as a Neighbourhood Watch of sorts allowing local residents to share information of crimes and suspicious activity occurring locally.

"Having looked through posts on the group my observations are that a lot of valuable information regarding criminal offences and investigative opportunities such as excellent Ring door bell footage are being shared. From reviewing police systems I also note a number of these incidents are not being reported to the police.

"I would request residents report any and all crimes to the police not only to ensure our crime recording is accurate but also to allow us to direct resources accordingly. As an example, the recent uptick in vehicle crime and issues being caused to the community by specific individuals was much more apparent on the Facebook page then on what was being shared with the police.

"I wonder if the Hucknall Cracks Crime page could be the social media presence for a Hucknall wide Neighbourhood Watch. Our policing systems don't allow us to communicate with social media pages but if it was associated to a Neighbourhood Watch, police could then attend a regular meeting to discuss crime concerns, give advice on any emerging trends, give crime figures etc as well as giving updates on local issues.

"This would give the mechanism for public engagement. Neighbourhood Watch is also aligned to Nottinghamshire Alert so once individuals were signed up it would allow them to receive a policing newsletter/ updates which I know is something desired locally. Nottinghamshire Alert also has a survey function so gives residents the mechanism to inform the local policing priorities."

For more general information about neighbourhood watch schemes, please click here.