Full Breakdown
Nottingham Police Launch “Operation View” to Curb Youth Anti-Social Behaviour in City Centre
5/7/2026, 10:23:52 PM
The Crackdown in Action
Operation View, a dedicated police initiative in Nottingham’s city centre, targets children and teenagers as young as 10 who are involved in shoplifting, drug possession, weapon carriage and vandalism of abandoned buildings. Officers patrol on foot and in vans, issue dispersal notices that ban identified youths from the centre for 48 hours, and threaten Community Protection Notices (CPNs) for repeat offenders. A recent sweep resulted in the arrest of a teenager in a balaclava, the detention of a 12-year-old already on bail, and the removal of vapes and other contraband.
Key Figures and Groups
- Sgt Cai Kemish – leads Operation View.
- PC Josh Dowdy – frontline officer who frequently encounters repeat offenders.
- Gary Godden – Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner, overseeing the strategy.
- Tara Zaman – owner of the Tossed café on Albert Street, a frequent target of youth harassment.
- Local shop workers and business owners who report disturbances.
Data and Statistics
- 24 children are currently on a police “watchlist.”
- Six to seven youths in balaclavas were spotted during a recent operation.
- A 12-year-old was detained and placed in a police van; his father was unavailable, so a relative assumed custody.
- Dispersal notices carry a 48-hour exclusion period; breaching a CPN can lead to fines, tenancy loss and criminal prosecution.
On-the-Ground Reports
Shop staff describe crowds of children “creating noise and chaos,” deterring shoppers. At Tossed, a group repeatedly “took things, taunted and tormented” staff, culminating in the hurling of soft drinks and verbal abuse. Police officers reported confronting youths on Pelham Street, where one teenager fled but was later handcuffed after a brief chase.
Official Statements & Responses
Police stress that early arrests aim to “prevent further offending” and that the operation is a “step in the right direction” when parents cooperate. Sgt Kemish notes that some youths view incarceration as a “badge of honour,” prompting the need for targeted intervention. PC Dowdy emphasizes the disruptive impact on visitors and local commerce, describing repeat offenders as “terrorising our city streets.” Commissioner Godden urges parental responsibility, describing eviction from the centre as the “most extreme” sanction and advocating for dialogue before enforcement.
Criticism and Opposition
Some families expressed shock at having children taken home, while others appeared “less bothered” and resisted police engagement. The prospect of CPNs has been criticised as a potential criminal-record risk for minors, raising concerns about the balance between public safety and youth rights.
Why It Matters
The initiative directly affects Nottingham’s retail environment, public perception of safety, and the legal exposure of young residents. Successful enforcement could restore shopper confidence, but excessive punitive measures risk alienating families and escalating tensions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “At its most serious, you have individuals carrying machetes, knives, they're causing a considerable problem,” — Sgt Cai Kemish, Operation View lead
- “He's been terrorising our city streets, making life a misery for people who visit, walking round in a balaclava, big group, intimidating, stealing from shops.” — PC Josh Dowdy, city-centre officer
- “We took one child home and they were mortified by their child's actions and they took all the electronics, games consoles, mobile phone away from them," he said.” — PC Josh Dowdy
- “We're not going in there with a big stick to start off with, what's fair is that there's a conversation, that conversation leads to action, and the parents buy into that action,” — Gary Godden, Police and Crime Commissioner
- “Owner Tara Zaman said they targeted the shop several times, "taking things" and "taunting" and "tormenting" her staff.” — Tara Zaman, owner, Tossed café
What’s Next
Operation View will continue patrols and dispersal enforcement throughout the summer, with police offering support services to families willing to engage. Authorities plan to monitor the impact of CPNs and adjust the approach based on community feedback and observed changes in anti-social activity.
