Welcome to your latest news and weather update from across Gedling borough for Wednesday.

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DNA from discarded cigarette filter helps police snare Arnold burglar

A DNA trace recovered from a discarded cigarette filter helped snare an Arnold burglar and put him back behind bars.

Reece Kitching, 35, came to the attention of police on July 20 last year when he fled the scene of a road traffic collision on the A60.

Subsequent investigations revealed that the car he had been driving was stolen earlier that day after access was gained to the home of a relative on Washington Court, Arnold.

Kitching, who was detained near the scene of the collision, was also found to be more than three times over the legal alcohol limit when breathalysed at the roadside.

During a forensic examination of the address, officers recovered a cigarette filter which Kitching had discarded while inside the property to obtain a spare key. Although his exact method of entry remains unknown, the DNA evidence helped place him inside the address.

Kitching claimed the cigarette could have been left there during a previous visit, but he later pleaded guilty to burglary, aggravated vehicle taking, failing to stop after a road traffic collision, drink driving, driving while disqualified, and driving without insurance.

He also pleaded guilty to theft following an incident at a hotel in Radford on November 12, where he stole food and drink from a communal area.

Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Tuesday, April 28, Kitching, of no fixed address, was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment and disqualified from driving.

PC Catherine Stafford, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:“Kitching has an unenviable criminal history and seemed to think he could get away with taking this vehicle in the way he did.

“Unfortunately for him, a low-level traffic collision proved to be his undoing.

“Thanks to a full and thorough investigation, Kitching had little choice but to plead guilty.”

Calverton Fish Bar owners announce closure "after many enjoyable years"

A fish and chip shop in Calverton is closing down.

The owners of Calverton Fish Bar on Main Street have placed a notice in the window announcing the closure of the popular village chippy.

The notice read: "After many enjoyable years serving the Calverton community, I would like to let you know that I have now stepped away from running the fish and chip shop and have moved on to a new chapter.

"I want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all of our customers for your loyal support over the years. It has been a real pleasure serving you and being part of the local community.

They added: "The building will now be placed on the market for sale and will be handled by Ashford & Moult Estate Agents, based in Calverton, just a couple of doors down from us.

"Thank you once again for your custom and support."

Customers took to social media to share their sorrow over news of the closure.

Rich Higton wrote: "Ah such a shame, lovely food. All the best."

Donna Hind posted: "So sad to see it close down. Loved thus chippy such nice fresh food."

Margaret Jones commented: "Thank you for being such a fantastic place to get fish and chips. I will miss you. Sending best wishes for your new endeavours."

Neighbourhood policing inspector for Gedling borough updates on crime fighting progress made in April

Gedling neighbourhood policing team’s Inspector Steve King has shared an update on how his team has progressed on tackling crime across the borough during April…

As we often see at this time of year, the change in weather also brings increased demand for our services. Despite these pressures, our teams continue to work exceptionally hard to maintain response times and deliver the highest possible standard of service to the public.

Following a review, the following local priorities will remain unchanged for this quarter:

• Acquisitive Crime (Burglary, Robbery, Shoplifting, Theft)

• Anti Social Behaviour (including behavioural, motorcycle, speeding, begging)

• Drugs (Possession, Supply, Cannabis Cultivation)

Acquisitive Crime

Our targeted operations to tackle shoplifting continue, supported by a combination of high-visibility patrols and plain-clothes activity.

We have now established Business Action Groups across Gedling South and Gedling Central, strengthening partnership working with local businesses to reduce crime and improve information sharing.

You may have seen recent media coverage regarding the charging of an individual in connection with two burglaries in the Mapperley area. I want to reassure the community that offences of this nature are treated with the utmost seriousness and receive enhanced investigative attention. We fully recognise the significant and lasting impact these crimes can have on victims.

Anti-Social Behaviour

While there was a slight increase in ASB during April compared to March, levels remain approximately 11% lower than this time last year. With lighter evenings and improved weather, we always anticipate a potential rise in youth-related ASB.

We have robust plans in place to address this, using a combination of prevention, partnership working and enforcement. This includes supporting diversionary activities as well as taking decisive action where required.

A recent example includes the successful closure order of a property in Arnold, following persistent ASB and violence that had a significant impact on local residents. We will continue to use all available powers to tackle this type of unacceptable behaviour.

We also recognise ongoing concerns around vehicle-related ASB. During a recent proactive operation in Gedling, the Roads Policing Unit delivered the following results over a one-month period:

• 141 vehicles stopped

• 47 arrests made

• 52 vehicles seized

• Additional seizures including drugs and weapons

This proactive work plays an important role in keeping our roads and communities safe, and I would like to thank the teams involved for their continued efforts.

Drugs

Tackling drug-related activity remains a key priority. There has been significant recent enforcement activity, including the execution of two warrants within the past week.

Further operations are planned in the coming months. Our message remains clear and consistent: those involved in drug supply can expect to be targeted and dealt with robustly.

🌦️ Weather Update

After a bright, cold start, cloud will increase through the morning. Expect showers through the day, easing off by the evening with some brighter spells developing. Feeling cool, particularly in winds. Tonight, sunny spells will persist through the evening but then temperatures will fall quickly overnight before cloud thickens later helping temperatures to recover.

Tomorrow expect variable cloud and patchy rain for much of the day, with occasional bright or sunny intervals and temperatures higher than Wednesday. Breezy conditions.