Can you identify this tattoo? Police hunt machete-wielding shop raider after terrifying robbery in Bestwood

Police are appealing for help to track down a suspected armed robber – and believe a distinctive tattoo could hold the key.

Investigators have released images of a man they want to speak to after a shop worker was allegedly threatened with a machete during a frightening raid on a convenience store.

Officers are also trying to identify a second person who was reportedly waiting outside on an e-bike while the incident unfolded.

The drama happened at around 9.10am on July 4 at a shop in Tithe Gardens.

According to police, a man wearing a hood and face covering entered the store armed with a machete before waving the weapon around and swinging it at a member of staff.

The intruder then allegedly jumped onto the counter, reached behind the till and grabbed a bottle of vodka.

In a remarkable act of self-defence, the shop worker reportedly confronted the suspect with a hockey stick.

Thankfully, he was not injured.

The raider fled the scene with the stolen alcohol and remains outstanding.

Detectives have been investigating the incident, which has been classed as an aggravated burglary, and are now urging anyone who recognises the suspect – particularly the tattoo visible on his arm – to come forward.

Police are also keen to hear from anyone who can identify the man pictured on the e-bike.

Detective Constable Tom Lowe, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “The victim was put through a terrifying ordeal during this incident but showcased real bravery and was thankfully not injured.

“This was an incredibly serious offence that was aggravated still further by the intruder choosing to arm themselves with a weapon before they entered the store.

“While we appreciate it may be difficult for anyone to identify the face of the person pictured in the shop, our hope is that someone might recognise the tattoo visible on his arm.

“We also want to speak to a second individual who was seen to wait outside the store on an e-bike.

“If you think you might know who these individuals are, or if you might have some idea who could’ve been involved in this offence, please share this information with us immediately.”

Spate of vehicle crime prompts police warning and safety advice

Residents across Gedling borough have raised growing concerns with local police teams over vehicle crime in the area following a recent spike in thefts from and of vehicles.

According to Gedling's neighbourhood policing teams, the borough has seen a noticeable increase in incidents over the past month, prompting renewed efforts to tackle the issue.

Officers confirmed that one suspect has been arrested in connection with several of the offences. The individual has since been jailed for a total of 46 weeks, offering some reassurance to residents who highlighted vehicle crime as a priority concern in recent surveys.

Police are now urging motorists to take extra precautions to reduce the risk of becoming a victim. Officers emphasise that simple steps—such as locking vehicles, securing keys, and parking in well‑lit areas—can significantly deter opportunistic thieves.

Key Safety Measures Highlighted by Police...

Lock your vehicle:
Police warn that even brief moments of leaving a car unlocked, such as while refuelling or warming the engine, can provide opportunities for theft. Motorists are reminded that leaving a vehicle running unattended is illegal and may invalidate insurance claims. Officers also note that unlocked cars with wing mirrors left unfolded are being specifically targeted by organised criminal groups.

Keep keys secure:
Modern vehicles are harder to steal without access to the key or fob. Police advise keeping keys out of sight and away from doors, as thieves have been known to “fish” for them through letterboxes. Those selling vehicles are urged to keep keys in sight at all times to prevent cloning.

Keyless entry risks:
Officers warn of rising cases of “relay theft,” where criminals use devices to mimic the signal of a keyless entry fob, allowing them to unlock and start a vehicle even when the key is inside the owner’s home. Police recommend storing keys in signal‑blocking pouches, reprogramming keys when buying second‑hand cars, and disabling wireless signals where possible.

Be alert to carjackers:
Motorists are advised to keep doors locked while driving and to remain cautious if bumped from behind. Police recommend stopping only in safe, populated areas and contacting authorities if suspicious. Delivery drivers are reminded to remove keys from ignitions when making drop‑offs.

Park responsibly:
Officers encourage drivers to choose well‑lit, busy streets or accredited car parks to reduce the risk of theft.

Watch for illegal tow trucks:
Police say thieves may attempt to remove vehicles using unmarked or suspicious tow trucks. Residents are urged to report any questionable activity immediately.

Use in‑car security devices:
Physical security measures such as steering wheel locks, pedal boxes, and immobilisers—particularly those tested to Sold Secure standards—can help prevent theft even if criminals gain entry.

Check electronic locking:
Police warn that thieves may use devices to jam electronic locking signals. Motorists should manually confirm their vehicle is locked before walking away.

Check for vehicle cloning:
When purchasing a vehicle, buyers should ensure the VIN matches the DVLA documentation to avoid unknowingly buying a cloned car.

Secure diagnostic ports:
Modern vehicles often contain diagnostic ports that can be exploited to start the engine. Police recommend fitting lockable covers where possible.

Officers are encouraging anyone who witnesses suspicious behaviour or becomes a victim of vehicle crime to report it via 101, or 999 in emergencies.

PC 3379 Dunn thanked residents for raising concerns and reaffirmed the force’s commitment to tackling vehicle crime across the community.

£2 single fare cap on buses to return from January

The £2 bus fare cap will be reinstated from January in most areas across England, the government has announced.

The cap will be for a single fare, and last for all of 2027.

More than £500m of funding, will be reallocated from money earmarked for international climate finance as well as existing transport funding to pay for the scheme.

The £2 cap was first imposed in early 2023, before rising to £3 at the start of 2025.

Some areas have kept the £2 cap, including Greater Manchester – which Burnham ran until last month. Single fares in London are £1.75.

The devolved nations will be given an equivalent amount of funding to spend on cost of living measures.

The government says the last £2 fare cap led to an extra 30 million journeys taken by bus across 10 months.

“Good, affordable transport links are an essential. No one should be priced out of those and left behind,” the prime minister said.

He added: “But for too long people have said that cheaper transport isn’t an option. I don’t accept that. I’ve done it before and I will do it again now: a £2 cap on bus fares for millions across the country.”

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the fare cut would help “keep people connected to work, school, healthcare and their friends and family”.

Yesterday, Burnham told the first meeting of his cabinet they will be a “cost of living government” and urged them all to look at ways they can help with the cost of living in their areas.

Borough's major parks recognised for excellence

Gedling Borough Council has revealed that four of its parks have once again clinched the prestigious Green Flag Award for 2026 — with Arnot Hill Park hitting a major milestone after 20 consecutive years of national recognition.

Burton Road Jubilee Park, Gedling Country Park and Breck Hill Park have also kept hold of their awards, continuing a long‑running streak of excellence across the borough.

Arnot Hill Park’s 20‑year achievement leads the pack, while Burton Road Jubilee Park marks 11 years, Gedling Country Park hits 10, and Breck Hill Park secures its fifth straight award.

The quartet joins more than 2,391 parks and green spaces across the UK recognised for meeting the highest standards of maintenance, facilities and environmental care.

Councillor Viv McCrossen, Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, Parks and Environmental Health, said the awards highlight just how important these spaces are for both residents and wildlife.

“These awards are a wonderful recognition of the value our parks bring to people and nature. They’re fantastic places to enjoy, home to rich wildlife, and play a vital role in tackling climate change locally.”

She added that the national recognition reflects the “dedication, care and preservation” behind the scenes.

Council Leader John Clarke MBE said the community should feel proud to see four parks honoured again.

“From morning walks and family days out to quiet moments in nature, our parks are woven into the lives of so many residents. Our staff, volunteers and community groups have helped these spaces thrive year after year.”

Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said parks remain vital public spaces — especially for communities who need them most.

“Parks support our wellbeing, our communities and our economy. Investing in them isn’t a luxury — it’s one of the most visible ways to improve people’s quality of life.”

🖊 OPINION: NCC Leader Mick Barton: 'We're winning the war with roads'

Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, Mick Barton, updates readers on progress made on road repairs and outcome of the Local Government Reorganisation initiative...

As you can all see the roads are now massively improving.  I have been out within the county to see firsthand the various repairs we are carrying out.

We have taken delivery of two new mastic boilers.  I knew we had to purchase the boilers following our visit to Roadmender in Rotherham a few months ago.  I, along with Cabinet members, were given a demonstration on laying the asphalt, and I could not believe the results. The mastic boiler is ideal for repairing potholes and larger repairs in a quick, efficient way.  These repairs are faster to install, greener and are significantly less disruptive than conventional asphalt repairs.  A must have part of our toolkit for the ‘right first-time approach’ repairs. 

The mastic material is made up of old vehicle tyres and other materials to make the product pliable and long lasting.  The boilers are on the roads now, along with the eight hot box teams, the two JCB Pothole Pro’s and further resurfacing gangs.  They are out in every part of the county ensuring roads are improving across the county.

We are looking to deliver a winter masterplan that has not been seen before, where repairs will not be halted for bad weather. The crews will now continue working twelve months a year, so we do not have the same emergency situation of last year, with undrivable roads.

LGR (Local Government Reorganisation)

We received the government’s option for LGR, who have gone with the Labour run City Council proposal.  To say I am disappointed with their decision is an understatement. 

I will not be taking this lying down, I can assure you.  I am currently waiting for the Secretary of State to write to me to confirm the decision and their reasoning for it. When that happens, I will decide our stance and our next move.  I do not believe this decision has been taken fairly and objectively.  I think this is a rushed, Labour looking after Labour decision, on an asset grabbing mission.  No way is this decision the fair one for the county and I will be seriously looking at a judicial review.  We put in our plan by sticking exactly to the guidelines and legislation given to us.  I will be working on this daily to find a solution.

I will get back to you on progress in my columns and on social media.

Out in the Community

I have mentioned before that my Cabinet and I hold bi-monthly meetings out in the community.  It would be lovely to hear from any businesses who would like us to come along, have a tour of your premises and understand what you do.  If we can assist in any way or offer support, we will.  If you would like us to come along, please contact me on cllr.mick.barton@nottscc.gov.uk.

I held a cabinet away day last week, where the cabinet and I looked at the year ahead and all we want to achieve. I look forward to sharing the year ahead with you in my next column.

In the meantime, enjoy the weather and the children’s holidays from school that are about to start.

Take Care.
Mick

Family, Community, Country.

Young people being urged to 'book now' for two doses of lifesaving meningitis vaccine

Eligible young people across Gedling borough are being encouraged to book a potentially lifesaving meningitis B (MenB) vaccination at participating community pharmacies.

The NHS has launched a new vaccination programme offering free MenB vaccinations at local pharmacies for eligible 17 and 18-year-olds in their final year of sixth form, as well as students under 25 who are moving into university or residential college accommodation for the first time this autumn.

Vaccination appointments are available to book now.

Meningococcal B infection can cause serious illnesses including meningitis and sepsis (blood poisoning). In some cases, it can lead to life-changing disabilities such as hearing loss, brain damage or limb loss, and can be fatal. The bacteria can spread through close contact such as kissing, sharing drinks or vapes, or prolonged contact in shared living spaces. 

Students living in halls of residence or shared accommodation are at increased risk, with first-year university students around seven times more likely to develop the disease than young people of a similar age who do not attend university.

Two doses of the vaccine are needed, given at least 28 days apart, so eligible young people are being encouraged to book as soon as possible to ensure they are fully protected before the autumn term begins. 

Eligible 17 and 18-year-olds can book through the NHS National Booking Service: www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/vaccination-and-booking-services/book-a-menb-vaccination-appointment

Other eligible students can find a participating community pharmacy offering walk-in vaccinations: www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/vaccination-and-booking-services/find-a-pharmacy-that-offers-walkin-menb-vaccinations-for-young-people

📸 Photo of the Day...

🌤️ Weather update

Your borough weather forecast for the next few days...

TODAY: ☁️ The day will start with some low cloud, mist and fog patches around, though these should lift readily during the morning to leave a generally fine day across the region with sunny spells. Feeling very warm in the gentle winds. An isolated light shower is possible overnight, chiefly near to the east coast. For most though it will stay dry with clear spells. Patchy low cloud and fog forming. Minimum temperature 12 °C.

THURSDAY: 🌦️ Low cloud or fog will clear to leave plenty of fine weather with sunny spells on Thursday. However, cloud could bubble up sufficiently in places to produce a light shower.

😂 AND FINALLY...

Council contractors in Gedling village have to redo double yellow lines after the initial job was botched, leaving them embarrassingly wonky.
The lines, which were painted following road resurfacing works have been ridiculed by residents for their shoddy appearance.
A photo of the work was taken by local councillor Mike Adams, who took the picture after having to 'pull over his car from laughing'."Proper wonky. It looks like it’s trying to do the Macarena," he said.
"They look like they let the local lads on a stag do do it after 10 pints!"