Police operation tackles rural crime in Derbyshire

Patrols are being stepped up overnight as officers work to target and prevent thefts in our rural communities.

Officers on the Derbyshire Rural Crime Team are taking part in the operation, which will see them target any suspicious activity and respond to reports over the next few months.

The proactive patrols will particularly focus on protecting agricultural vehicles and equipment, trailers and 4x4s- a concern which has been raised by members of the rural community.

The team will also link in with response, roads policing and Safer Neighbourhood officers in Derbyshire, along with officers from neighbouring forces to help target possible cross-border offenders.

Sergeant Chris Wilkinson, of the Derbyshire Rural Crime Team, said: “In Derbyshire, we have a large rural community and acquisitive crime can have a big impact on their livelihoods.

“This operation is just a small part of our ongoing proactive work and commitment to tackling rural crime and is about targeting areas and vehicles of interest and taking positive action on any offences we come across.

“I would encourage anyone who notices anything suspicious in their area to report it to us on the non-emergency methods, unless a crime is in progress or someone is in danger, when the number to call is always 999.”

Anyone with any information should contact Derbyshire Police on the following non-emergency details:

• Facebook– send a private message to /DerbyshireConstabulary
• Twitter– direct message the contact centre on @DerPolContact
• Website– complete the online contact form at derbyshire.police.uk/Contact-Us.
• Phone – call 101

You can also anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org

If you would like to follow the work of the Derbyshire Rural Crime Team, follow them on Facebook, www.facebook.com/ruralcrimeteam, or on Twitter @DerbyshireRCT.