A message from Inspector Craig

A message from Inspector Craig

My name is Inspector Leanne Craig; I am the local Policing Inspector for South Derbyshire. As always, my commitment to you remains unchanged:

- To engage with our communities

- To solve problems collaboratively

- To ensure that those who cause harm are held accountable

- To prevent crime

I am dedicated to working alongside residents and partners to keep South Derbyshire a safe place to live, work and visit. As we move into Autumn 2026, I would like to share our updated community priorities for the next quarter, along with progress on the priorities set prior to the Summer of 2026.

Firstly, I will talk about our local policing approach. South Derbyshire is a large and diverse area, divided into six policing areas, each with its own local community priorities. These priorities are shaped by what you tell us matters most, supported by local crime and incident data. Each area will receive a detailed update shortly on what they all are.

When setting priorities, our Neighbourhood Supervisors, partners within the Community Safety Partnership and I, not only look at recorded crime and incident data (that is what has been reported through incidents and recorded crime) but we also listen to feedback from the community, this can be from in-person events within the community, social media updates or survey results from our Community Messaging Service Derbyshire Alert -I encourage you to sign up – https://orlo.uk/HUcHs

Just so you are aware, these are local priorities set by you and our local safer neighbourhood team.

🚓 We also have 5 response/investigative teams who provide a service to all of South Derbyshire in terms of responding to reported incidents and crimes. 🚓

When reviewing all six areas, there are a diverse range of issues that matter the most to the communities, but there is a common theme running through numerous areas such as ASB, Road Safety and Serious Acquisitive Crime. I have made these priorities where they matter the most.

Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB):-

We know ASB continues to be a significant concern. In response, we have implemented a range of targeted patrol strategies, guided by analysis to ensure they are as effective as possible. We also use an incremental approach to tackling ASB alongside South Derbyshire District Council- https://orlo.uk/3UJSm

This joint work has led to action against individuals causing harm, long term problem solving initiatives, and educational inputs for the public and young people on both prevention and enforcement. We will continue to prioritise this work.

Drugs Enforcement:-

Our teams have executed a number of warrants under the Misuse of Drugs Act, removing drugs and criminal assets from those involved in offending. In one example this year, officers located a significant quantity of Class A drugs, cash, and weapons—including zombie knives. This led to charges, remand, and a successful conviction, helping to disrupt criminal activity and protect our communities. Will continue with our efforts in this area.

Serious Acquisitive Crime:-

In my previous update, I shared details of our operation targeting serious acquisitive crime, including travelling criminals, burglary, and vehicle theft. The operation ran in the early winter months 2025 and we have done this again this year since our last priorities were set. We have analysed the results of these operations and we can prove a positive measurable impact on SAC offences -it reduced crime. We will continue with our efforts in this area.

Crime Prevention:-

Crime Prevention remains one of my key priorities. While responding to and investigating crime is an important part of our role, preventing offences from occurring in the first place is equally important. Working alongside our partners at South Derbyshire District Council, we continue to promote a range of crime prevention initiatives aimed at improving home security, reducing repeat victimisation, and supporting vulnerable members of our community. Over the past year, we have increased the number of crime prevention referrals made to South Derbyshire District Council, helping to ensure that preventative measures are targeted at those who need them most. We also continue to provide practical crime prevention advice though community engagement events, Derbyshire Alert, and our social media channels.

This quarter, I have introduced a commitment across all areas for tailored crime prevention messages to be issued every two weeks. These messages will focus on local crime trends and emerging issues, providing residents with timely advice and information to help keep themselves, their families, and their property safe.

Road Safety:-

We recognise that road safety is a major concern for many residents, and it features heavily in local priorities. We are actively working with partners such as Community Speed Watch and CREST. Since the last update we have continued to seize vehicles for road traffic offences and vehicles causing ASB under the Police Reform Act. We will continue to do this.

Youth Voice Priority: Fear of Knife Crime

One of our neighbourhood priorities has been identified through engagement with young people by our Youth Engagement Team. This priority is focused on feedback from local youths about the issues that matter the most to them. The main concern raised was a fear of knife crime. Although South Derbyshire continues to experience low levels of violent crime, we welcome the opportunity to work with young people to help them feel safer and address these concerns. This will build on the work we already undertake through the year, including activities linked to Operation Sceptre

Community priorities are set together, Your feedback is vital. It has shaped our latest community priorities alongside crime data. Some priorities remain unchanged due to ongoing concerns, while others have evolved to reflect what matters most to you now. Thank you to everyone who has engaged with us so far. Please continue to share your concerns and information—it truly makes a difference.

You can stay involved by signing up to Derbyshire Alert and completing the survey here: https://orlo.uk/mwwnN

For crime prevention advice or referrals to Safer Homes, please visit: https://orlo.uk/PoHiM Safer homes- https://orlo.uk/XaPe8

I will provide a further update towards the end of 2026. Thank you for your continued support. Inspector Leanne Craig. Local Policing Inspector, South Derbyshire