Police have encouraged Hucknall residents to engage with them and report suspicious behaviour or criminal activity to help them build stronger cases against suspects.

In a social media post from the Ashfield Police Facebook account, they confirmed that an arrest had been made following reports of a man bothering residents by persistently asking for money and potentially trying to gain access to properties.

However, lots of the information provided, and evidence gathered, has only been posted on social media and not formally reported to and shared with the police.

Now, the police have issued a statement to emphasise the importance of always reporting incidents to them so they have more evidence should the case go to court.

The post, which was signed off by Ashfield's District Commander, Inspector Jon Hewitt, and was addressed to Hucknall residents, said: "We have noticed on local social media forums concerns for a male knocking on doors, attempting handles and generally harassing residents asking for money. We are not allowed to name persons prior to charge/ court but would like to inform residents that an arrest has been made with enquiries ongoing.

"Looking forwards what does the future hold? Any prosecution will of course only be possible with evidence available to prove beyond all reasonable doubt IE statements, CCTV etc. If incidents are reported but witnesses will not give supporting evidence than it is unlikely to progress to court because the prosecution has to prove somebody is guilty, an individual does not have to prove they are innocent.

"We would like to prevent people feeling unsafe in their home and in particular if uninvited, unwanted, persons are going to addresses looking through windows or begging for money we want to ensure there is an avenue for positive action. Criminal Behaviour Orders provides individuals with conditions which if they breach they can be arrested and put before the court. Such conditions could include not approaching dwelling/ knocking on doors unless expressly invited.

"If you have evidence which could support a criminal behaviour order for such circumstances (and the beauty of a CBO application is we can use hearsay/ anonymous evidence if you are worried of being identified) please contact us.

"We will not be naming or responding to this post so please contact us directly so we can discuss in confidence."

For more information about policing in the Ashfield District, please click here.