Police patrols are increasing in the City Centre, following an incident in St Peter’s Street yesterday in which a Pawnbrokers window was smashed by three suspects. 

The offenders, all wearing dark clothing, used weapons to attempt to smash the window and steal items, before running off towards St Peter’s churchyard, where they are believed to have got into an awaiting vehicle. No one was injured.

Over the last few weeks there has been an increased police presence following local concerns about public safety, with more in-depth monitoring of CCTV and targeting known offenders. 

Op Shango, which sees extra patrols targeting areas where there has been reports of disruptive or nuisance behaviour, is continuing in the area. A dedicated operation has also been taking place to target persistent offenders. 

There is a team of neighbourhood officers for the City Centre, who are working with businesses and the local community to address concerns and provide a visible presence. Shopwatch is continuing to be used to share information across businesses. 

Supt Rebecca Webster, who oversees city centre policing, said: “This is a collective issue which needs to see all our partners coming together. Police resources are conducting high visibility patrols, but we can’t be in all places all the time, which is why we are focusing on hotspot areas. We are also targeting those offenders we know are committing crime which blights our city. 

“We have done a lot of work in and around the city centre, carrying out stop searches with a positive find rate of 58%, and arrests made for a multitude of offences. We use both uniform and plain-clothes officers, so while you may think there are not officers in the area, some of our team is less overt. 

“Recently we have made several arrests for possession of weapons, including machetes; we have responded to local concerns about the use of e-scooters, seizing more than 39 in one day, we have identified vulnerable victims and worked to support them, and every day we are responding to incidents. 

“I understand that people are concerned about this attack at the Pawnbrokers, for it to happen in the middle of the afternoon is brazen. Officers were in the area and attended soon after the incident happened, and our enquiries are ongoing.

“It is clear several people recorded the incident and will have taken photos or video of the crime in action, and I would ask that you send that in to us, as it could help us identify those responsible.

“If you do have concerns about public safety in the area, please engage with our officers who are patrolling, and doing the best we possibly can. We need everyone to come together to address this issue, and to keep Derby safe to live, work and visit.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact us using one of the methods below and please quote incident number 25*411374:  

You can also anonymously contact the independent charity CrimeStoppers, on 0800 555 111, or by visiting the CrimeStoppers website