Extra patrols continue to make a difference in Derbyshire

Derbyshire Police are continuing to carry out extra patrols to tackle the issues deemed to be important to communities.

Officers on dedicated patrols spent more than 700 additional hours targeting areas where reports of disruptive and nuisance behaviour have been received.

On these patrols, they spoke to local people and businesses to check in, as well as speaking to groups meeting in the area to prevent any problems and tackle any issues as they arose. This approach resulted in officers conducting fifteen arrests and dispersing fifteen groups across Derbyshire throughout July.

Last month, officers also found and safeguarded a vulnerable missing child that they came across by chance whilst on anti-social behaviour patrols, miles away from where other teams were searching.

Hotspot Policing manager Becky Clough said: “Across the target areas for these extra patrols we’ve seen a 22% reduction in incidents of anti-social behaviour.

“Officers on these patrols are hearing from local businesses that they’re having less issues with of disorderly behaviour, less occurrences of criminal damage or intimidatory behaviour.

“We and partners are continuing to use a rounded approach to tackle the root cause through our Immediate Justice scheme, which sees us working with those who cause issues in their local area make amends through community work.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Nicolle Ndiweni said: “These targeted patrols are not only identifying offending in real time but are also helping to prevent crime before it happens, protecting people from harm and from becoming victims of crime. 

"Visibility is really important to local people and businesses.  Our communities have reacted positively to the uplifted police presence in their areas and are witnessing the results on their doorsteps.  ASB across the targeted areas is falling significantly and this has increased confidence, but we cannot be complacent on this matter and will continue to do all that we can to ensure residents across Derbyshire feel safe in their communities.

“This scheme has also brought extra opportunities for engagement with officers spending more time with retailers and residents whilst on patrol so they can understand their communities better. Connected communities are safer communities and I know how much residents appreciate the action being taken to address their top concerns.” 

68 people were referred to the Immediate Justice scheme were made in July, making a total of 670 since the scheme launched in July 2023. Work placements have included helping to garden local allotments, little picking and supporting local charities.

The majority of those who have completed the work have not reoffended since.

To report anti-social behaviour, visit the Derbyshire Police website.

To find out more about what anti-social behaviour is, and the correct organisation to report it to, visit the ASB Hub.