Derbyshire Police launch operation to target four main crime areas

Police have launched 'Operation Derbyshire' to highlight the positive plans to target four main areas of crime.

With the county spanning both rural communities like in the High Peak, as well as urban ones, the type of crimes committed in both areas varies. 

Derbyshire Constabulary say the chief constable and police and crime commissioner have formulated a plan to focus on four main areas that affect the whole county, following a recent public consultation. 

The key areas which the operation, that will run until Monday 31 May, will focus on are speeding, anti-social behaviour and rural, wildlife and heritage crime. Running alongside this, the force says it will also focus on visibility in areas and supporting victims.

Chief Constable Rachel Swann said: “I really want our communities to know that we focus on long-term problem solving, engaging, listening and responding. We then need to ensure that we let the public know what we’ve done – this is a really important part.

“Derbyshire is a diverse county that consists of broadly two halves, the rural county, and the urban towns and cities and our policing response aims to reflect this diversity.

“Operation Derbyshire seeks to ensure that regardless of which community people self-identify as living or working in, their priorities are taken seriously and are visibly addressed.

“During this pandemic, our officers have had a part to play but I want to reassure the people of Derbyshire that we are still here to fight crime, proactively bring offenders to justice, and protect the most vulnerable from harm.”

Hardyal Dhindsa, Derbyshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said that the operation had been inspired by his consultation with local people.

“Up and down the county, in every town, village and neighbourhood that I visited, people told me that they wanted the police to focus on these four key themes,” he said.

“I’m grateful to the chief constable who has worked with me to address these public concerns, and Operation Derbyshire is the result. It’s important that people know that we are addressing the things that matter most to them and have confidence that their views are making a difference.”

People can follow the progress of the operation by following the hashtag #OpDerbyshire on the force's social media channels.