Police continue to tackle serious organised crime in Buxton

Police say they are continuing to work hard to tackle serious organised crime in Buxton, one year into a campaign to drive out criminal activity and ensure it can’t return.

Project Unity has followed the Home Office framework of ‘Clear. Hold. Build.’ which aims to clear out criminality and build up the community, leaving no room for criminals to return. 

Police teams have been working to address the issues, which were highlighted in Buxton, since July 2023, pursuing those who are exploiting the vulnerable as part of drugs operations in the area. 

Twenty-four warrants have been carried out with neighbouring forces to close drugs lines affecting Buxton, and 80 people have been arrested for drugs-related offences, thefts, robbery, burglary, violence, weapon possession and anti-social behaviour. 

Sergeant Patrick Haley, from Buxton Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “We’ve also served closure notices on five properties due to their drugs-related behaviour causing issues for those around them. 

“The message has been clear, drug operations and the misery they cause to all nearby are not welcome in Buxton. 

“We’d like to say thank you to our local partners and the community for their ongoing support in addressing the issues and making Buxton a safer and more enjoyable place to live, work and visit.” 

More than 200 hours of extra patrols have taken place in the area to prevent and address nuisance and disruptive behaviour. 

Project Unity also saw close partnership work with the charity Crimestoppers, who had a visible presence in the area to encourage members of the public to report drugs concerns to them, resulting in a 60 per cent increase in reports. 

The charity continued to work in the area, delivering Fearless training to increase awareness of the dangers surrounding street crime, drugs and violence for those working with young people.  

In July 2024, new Project Unity offices were opened, funded by High Peak Borough Council and the Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner.  

This will see the key figures in policing, councils, healthcare and community support working closely together to tackle the issues. 

Other measures have been introduced to improve safety, and to identify those who are committing crime, including upgraded CCTV in Fairfield, security equipment and cameras for residents, and targeted environmental clean ups. 

A two-year project is already in the pipeline with Chesterfield Football Club, aiming to get young people involved in sport on Friday evenings and ensuring that the good work in the area continues.