Bassetlaw Today

Category: Crime

  • BECKINGHAM: Family distraught after pet tortoise of three decades stolen

    BECKINGHAM: Family distraught after pet tortoise of three decades stolen

    A family has been left ‘distraught’ after their tortoise was stolen from its home in Beckingham.

    The 35-year-old pet – named George – was taken from his home in Church Street, sometime between 25 October 25 and November 1.

    George’s owner returned from holiday to find him missing, with his cage turned upside down.

    Officers are now appealing to the public to help track him down.

    Sergeant James Robinson, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “George’s family are understandably distraught about losing their long-time pet.

    “The victim had implemented various security measures to keep the tortoise safe, so to return home and find him missing was a big shock for them.

    “Tortoises require specific care and knowledge to remain happy and healthy, and with hibernation time coming up, George’s family are understandably anxious to bring him home.”

    If you have information that could be valuable to the investigation, please call 101 quoting occurrence 25000648550, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

  • Man arrested on suspicion of possessing Class B drug police call ‘plight on Worksop’

    Man arrested on suspicion of possessing Class B drug police call ‘plight on Worksop’

    POLICE in Worksop have seized a quantity of a Class B drug and made an arrest. 

    Officers in the Worksop North Beat Team yesterday (3) made a proactive arrest of a 41-year-old man on Gateford Road. 

    He was on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Mamba – a synthetic cannabinoid, that is classed as a dangerous substance. 

    Users often experience severe side effects, including extreme drowsiness, loss of coordination, and a “zombie-like” state, which can be alarming to witness and puts them at serious risk of harm. 

    Officers in the Worksop North Beat Team yesterday

    A spokesman for Nottinghamshire Police said: “Our team is committed to tackling drug-related crime and protecting the public.  

    “This Class B drug has become a plight on Worksop, contributing to antisocial behaviour and causes ‘significant distress in our community. The investigation is ongoing.

    “Together, we can make Worksop safer.” 

    Those with information about drug activity in their area should report it via 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 

  • Police launch probe and hunt two men after ‘armed’ robbery at address in Worksop

    Police launch probe and hunt two men after ‘armed’ robbery at address in Worksop

    COPS in Worksop are appealing for witnesses following an armed robbery in at a property in the town.

    A mobile phone and approximately £2,000 worth of cash were taken from an address on Gladstone Street at about 3pm on Tuesday, October 21.

    After exiting the property, it’s believed two men – described as being black and wearing dark clothing – headed to Creswell Road on foot, before getting in a car and heading to Sandy Lane.

    Officers investigating the incident are now appealing for anyone who was in the surrounding area and saw what happened, and who may have dash-cam or CCTV footage, to get in touch with them immediately.

    PC William White, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We’re committed to getting to the bottom of what happened here, so we would like to hear from any witnesses who were in the surrounding area during the incident, as well as those who may have dash-cam or CCTV footage.

    “We believe that this area would have been busy at the time of this incident, so would urge any members of the public who have any information to call 101 quoting incident number 25*618817 and Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

  • Man charged with string of offences after Bircotes disturbance

    Man charged with string of offences after Bircotes disturbance

    A man has been charged with a series of offences following a disturbance in Bircotes.

    Police safely resolved a stand-off after a man climbed onto a number of roofs in the village on July 3, 2025.

    Officers were initially called at 2.30pm after an offender entered a property in East Street and made threats to the occupants with a knife.

    A number of properties, three marked police vehicles and a member of the public’s car were damaged after tiles were then thrown from roofs in nearby Arundel Walk.

    One police officer was also struck to the chest by one of the projectiles.

    James Rylance, of no fixed abode, has been charged with aggravated burglary, assault on an emergency worker, damaging property and five counts of criminal damage in relation to the incident.

    Detectives have also charged the 30-year-old with two previous aggravated burglaries in which residents were threatened with a knife in Bircotes and Harworth.

    He is also charged with robbery and blackmail following an incident on 6 June 2025 when a man was confronted in the street and threatened before handing over cash.

    The victim later received a number of messages demanding more money.

    Rylance was remanded in custody during a hearing held in his absence at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (16).

    He is next expected to appear at Nottingham Crown Court on August 13 2025.

    Inspector Rob Harrison, neighbourhood policing inspector for Bassetlaw, said: “The incident in Bircotes caused considerable disruption to residents and required a large number of emergency services personnel to bring to a safe conclusion.

    “It is thanks to their skill and professionalism that no one was seriously hurt.

    “I’m pleased a suspect has now been charged with a number of serious offences following a very thorough and robust investigation by a team of detectives.

    “The victims of the burglaries have been informed about this development and I hope they and the wider community welcome our firm response.”

  • Police crackdown on Worksop shoplifters continues

    Police crackdown on Worksop shoplifters continues

    The West Bassetlaw policing team have continued to clamp down on shoplifting in Worksop town centre as two offenders faced the courts on the same day.

    Once she was recognised by the local council through CCTV walking across the centre on Wednesday (9 July), Emma Caterer was stopped by Worksop response officers and arrested.

    Between 13 June and 9 July, Caterer, 41, was responsible for stealing a mixture of clothes, make-up and home products during five shop thefts in Worksop.

    Later in the week on Friday (11 July), officers had more success when they arrested Tony Matkin while out on patrol, who was on their radar after being caught on shop CCTV stealing plants from Asda, Memorial Avenue, on 25 June.

    Both Matkin, and Caterer, of Gateford Road, Worksop, were put before Nottingham Magistrates’ Court last Friday (11 July).

    Caterer pleaded guilty and was handed a conditional discharge for a year, with orders to pay back the cost of items stolen.

    Matkin, of Lowtown Street, Worksop, also pleaded guilty to one count of theft.

    This incident added onto Matkin’s previous shoplifting offences, where the 36-year-old was found guilty of four prior shoplifting offences, and one count of vagrancy across Worksop town centre.

    In total, he was jailed for six months – four from his previous suspended sentence, and another two for this further offence.

    Inspector Robert Harrison, of the Bassetlaw neighbourhood policing team, said:

    “Tackling retail crime in Worksop town centre remains a top priority for us, and we are determined to track down and arrest anyone who is involved in these offences.

    “Shoplifting can be a serious blight on communities and will never be tolerated by Nottinghamshire Police.

    “We work hard with our partners and local businesses to prevent this type of offending in the first place and crack down on the small number of individuals who are responsible for a disproportionate number of shop thefts.

    “I hope this action reassures local businesses and members of the public that we will continue to do everything we can to protect them from persistent offenders.”

  • Prolific shoplifter jailed as Worksop’s theft crackdown continues

    Prolific shoplifter jailed as Worksop’s theft crackdown continues

    A prolific offender in Worksop has been locked up following a string of shop thefts.

    Jade Arkwright, 34, originally appeared in Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, June 19 after pleading guilty to five counts of shop theft and one count of attempted shop theft.

    These crimes took place from May 7 to June 3, as the Worksop neighbourhood policing team pieced together CCTV evidence and witness accounts to identify the offender.

    She was handed an eight-week jail sentence – suspended for twelve months provided she complied with requirements set by the court and did not reoffend.

    But, just a few weeks later on 5 July, Arkwright was, again, arrested by officers after stealing £63 worth of clothes from Boyes in Worksop the previous Thursday.

    After being put before the courts on Monday 7 July, Arkwright, of Gateford Road, Worksop, was jailed for a total of 12 weeks after pleading guilty to one count of theft – eight weeks from her former sentencing, and an additional four weeks added for this further offence.

    She was also ordered to pay back the cost of items stolen.

    Sergeant Mark Talbot, of the Worksop North neighbourhood policing team, said: “Shoplifting is a blight on local businesses and shop staff, and remains a key local priority for my officers.

    “A majority of shop thefts are committed by a select group of offenders who we actively monitor and target.

    “We’re working with shop employees and the local council to clamp down on such behaviour, and we hope the Worksop community will see that reflected through recent sentencings.

    “I’m pleased to see Arkwright handed a custodial sentence for her actions and it is good news for us all that she won’t be causing any disruption in Worksop in the near future.”

  • Police appeal for witnesses after suspected hit and run in Worksop

    Police appeal for witnesses after suspected hit and run in Worksop

    Police investigating a road traffic collision in Worksop are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

    A man was struck by a car at about 2.30am on Sunday (15) in Eastgate.

    The victim, in his 30s, was treated in hospital for injuries sustained.

    A 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

    Officers investigating the incident are now appealing for anyone who saw what happened, and who may have dash-cam or CCTV footage, to get in touch with them immediately.

    Detective Sergeant Joanne Eaton, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We’re committed to getting to the bottom of what happened here, so we would like to hear from any witnesses who saw the incident or may have dash-cam or CCTV footage.

    “We believe that Eastgate would have been busy at the time of this collision, so we urge any members of the public who have any information to call 101 quoting incident number 25000346302 and Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

  • Pair arrested after Worksop brewery break-in

    Pair arrested after Worksop brewery break-in

    Police investigating a break-in at a Worksop brewery have arrested two suspects.

    Thousands of pounds worth of items were stolen during the overnight burglary at the business in Newcastle Avenue.

    Intruders forced open the doors and ransacked the premises during the break-in, which took place between 5pm on 29 May and 6.45am on 30 May.

    The items taken included cash, alcohol and sweets.

    Two men, aged 34 and 37, have now been arrested on suspicion of burglary.

    Sergeant Sarah Hagland, of the Bassetlaw neighbourhood policing team, said: “The business owner has gone into work to find his property has been broken into.

    “We understand how upsetting and disappointing this must be.

    “People don’t want to discover their place of work, or somewhere they enjoy visiting, has been damaged by intruders and items stolen.

    “Neighbourhood officers have been working hard on the investigation and I’m pleased these suspects have been arrested.

    “While it’s an important step, we still want to hear from anyone with any information which could assist.”

    Anyone with information, or relevant CCTV, dashcam, doorbell or mobile phone footage, should call police on 101, quoting incident number 80 of 30 May 2025.

  • Nottinghamshire Police removed from special measures as causes for concern have now been ‘addressed and closed’

    Nottinghamshire Police removed from special measures as causes for concern have now been ‘addressed and closed’

    Nottinghamshire Police has today (22) been removed from special measures by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, who said that the causes for concern it previously raised have now been ‘addressed and closed’.

    The Force was told it had to make improvements in how the force investigates crime, delivers neighbourhood policing and activities to prevent crime and disorder, and to improve how it manages performance.

    The force was placed under enhanced monitoring back in March 2024.

    HM Inspector Roy Wilsher, who has responsibility for Nottinghamshire Police, said: “I am pleased with the good progress that Nottinghamshire Police has made so far. While there is still work to do, I have recommended removing the service from our enhanced level of monitoring, known as Engage, and return it to routine monitoring.

    “We are reassured by the plans the police force has in place to continue making improvements, particularly in relation to crime investigation, leadership, force management and neighbourhood policing. We will continue to assess its progress to make sure the people of Nottinghamshire are getting the service they deserve.”

    Temporary Chief Constable Steve Cooper says: “This represents a significant step in the force’s ongoing improvement journey to better serve communities across Nottinghamshire.

    “We took being placed in ‘engage’ very seriously and through Chief Constable Kate Meynell’s improvement plan, which she implemented and ensured we delivered against, we used this as an opportunity not only to deliver meaningful improvements that are embedded across our force, but to improve in all that we do.

    “The changes we have made have improved the quality of service we provide to communities and victims of crime, and we are committed to maintaining this and identifying any further improvements we can make.

    “We remain grateful to HMICFRS, the College of Policing, the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the Home Office for their guidance and support throughout.”

    Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Gary Godden added: “This is fantastic news for the public of Nottinghamshire. It is recognition that Nottinghamshire Police is successfully improving the service it provides, following the plan put in place by Chief Constable Kate Meynell and the focused delivery by the entire workforce.

    “It is a milestone moment for the service, and we now have a platform to build from to improve even further.

    “The next step is to keep up the pace and work toward Nottinghamshire Police becoming an outstanding force and supporting my Police and Crime Plan priorities –continuing to earn public trust and confidence by putting communities and victims first, strengtheningpartnership working and providing an effective and resilient policing service.”

    Two of the causes for concern, relating to managing performance and governance, and neighbourhood policing and preventing crime, were closed by HMICFRS on 4 April 2025.

    At this time, the inspectorate commended the force for the improvements it had made in these areas, which included ensuring neighbourhood police officers spend more time in their local community.

    HMICFRS also reported being pleased with the progress Nottinghamshire Police had made in improving the management, supervision and effectiveness of its investigations, before closing this final cause for concern on 22 May.

    On closing this, the inspectorate commented that it was pleased with the improvement in Nottinghamshire Police’s management of crime, including supervision of crime and oversight of performance.

    Nottinghamshire Police has introduced several new systems to maintain this level of performance and high-quality investigations. These include the implementation of Quality Assurance Thematic Testing, to improve crime outcomes and victim satisfaction, and PowerBI, to manage performance.  

  • WORKSOP: Police arrest suspects following spate of fires

    WORKSOP: Police arrest suspects following spate of fires

    Police officers have made several arrests following a series of arson attacks across Worksop.

    Officers worked with Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue teams on an investigation into a spate of incidents over the last couple of weeks where public land and property have been targeted.

    Yesterday evening (19) at 7.30pm, reports came in that an abandoned building – St Anne’s Veterinary Centre in Newcastle Avenue – was set alight.

    Emergency services quickly worked to ensure the area was safe and the help of CCTV footage, four suspects were tracked down and arrested within a matter of hours after the incident took place.

    A 13-year-old girl, 15-year-old girl and 44-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of arson with the intent to endanger life and remain in police custody.

    A 10-year-old boy was also arrested on suspicion of arson with the intent to endanger life and has been released on police bail.

    Four suspects were tracked down and arrested by police last night

    These developments come after a 13-year-old boy was arrested on Friday, May 16 on suspicion of six counts of arson, and another boy, 12, was arrested yesterday afternoon on suspicion of arson.

    Grassland and trees on Kilton Forest Golf Course, Blyth Road, were set ablaze on separate occasions across May 7, May 9, May 12 and May 13, alongside playground equipment at Prospect Park, Northwood on the evening of May 12.

    The two suspects remain on police bail as the investigation into the series of attacks continues.

    Inspector Robert Harrison, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “These incidents were reckless and thankfully no one was injured, but there is always the potential for fire to spiral out of control.

    “Understandably they have caused a degree of local concern, and we hope this quick action shows how dedicated we are to keeping Worksop safe.

    “Whilst our investigation is ongoing, additional officers have been carrying out extra patrols in the affected area, we’ve been trawling through CCTV footage and have been working closely with our partners.

    “We take incidents like this extremely seriously and will continue to dedicate whatever resources are necessary to bring those responsible to justice.”