Nottinghamshire Police is cracking down on repeat offenders flocking to the city centre to flog drugs and commit thefts.
The force’s Operation Compass initiative hopes to put an end to re-offending criminals creating chaos within the city by issuing Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs).
One criminal has been convicted of more than 240 thefts, with cops hoping the banning orders will put an end to this.
CBOs stop shoplifters and drug addicts from coming to the city centre to commit crime and cause harassment.
Police officers believe this is a “long-term problem-solving solution” to protecting businesses and the public from those who re-offend.
Sergeant Jonathan Pothecary, from Nottinghamshire Police, said: “These banning orders are perfect for reducing crime and making Nottingham a more desirable city for those who live, work, and visit here.
“It is not just about enforcement but engagement.
“We want to ensure they still have access to facilities such as the Job Centre and other support services.
“We have had some good results where some of our known offenders have accessed support for their drug addiction because the alternative is you can no longer come into the city centre.
“Begging is a big issue in Nottingham, and I’d like to encourage the public not to hand money to beggars.
“Around 90 percent of those who beg in the city centre have accommodation and are using begging to fund their drug habit.
“Most of the remaining have been offered accommodation but have refused.
“Every time we stop a beggar with drugs we will try and signpost them to support services.
“We want them to get the help they need so they no longer rely on committing crime to fund their addiction.”
Officers regularly encounter the same faces and know their associates, and are out every day looking for those who cause the most harm.
The operation’s aim is to keep Nottingham safe and be a place people enjoy visiting.
