A Message from Inspector Leanne Craig – South Derbyshire Policing Update

My name is Leanne Craig, and I’m proud to serve as the Local Policing Inspector for South Derbyshire. I lead both our Response Team and Neighbourhood Policing Team, working from our main station in Swadlincote and across various beat locations throughout the district. I’m passionate about community engagement and problem-solving policing—ensuring that those who cause harm are held accountable, while working closely with residents to keep our communities safe. As we move into the autumn months, I wanted to share our current community priorities, set last month, along with some key updates.

Community Focus & Seasonal Policing:-

Over the summer, we concentrated on tackling anti-social behaviour through proactive, high-visibility patrols and a series of online and in-person engagement events. 

As the seasons change, our commitment remains strong. We’ll continue to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour through visible policing and community collaboration. We have also delivered numerous school talks focusing on what constitutes ASB, its impact and the role of the police in addressing it.  In relation to ASB caused using vehicles, we have seized several off-road motor cycles, given several section 59 Warnings (Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002 gives police the powers to deal with ASB use of motor vehicles), and referred individuals to the Bike Safe scheme. 

In relation to ASB within private properties and their surrounding areas, we have worked jointly with our key partners such as the council and the housing association and issued warnings, engaged with residents directly, and we have issued a Community Protection Notice to a local suspect, prohibiting further involvement in ASB.  

We continue to apply the hot spot policing methodology, deploying high visibility patrols in areas identified through crime pattern analysis to deter ASB and reassure the community. 

We have also been focusing on the prevention of vehicle crime this includes theft of and theft from vehicle through undertaking a range of proactive measures aimed at preventing and detecting acquisitive and vehicle-related offences which has resulted in arrests, charges and convictions. 

We have carried out numerous successful stops checks in relation to Drugs resulting in positive detections for drug offences, we have carried out warrants under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 resulting in a significant quantity of Class A drugs and associated paraphernalia, we have also responded to reports of cannabis cultivation, leading to the recovery of cannabis, cash and related items.

Our goal is simple: to make South Derbyshire a safe and welcoming place for everyone, while ensuring it remains a hostile environment for that intent on causing harm. Community safety and engagement are at the heart of everything we do.

Setting Priorities Together:-

When setting our latest priorities we listened to your feedback and reviewed local crime trends. This helped us shape bespoke priorities for each area. Our officers will now work towards these goals and provide updates at the next priority-setting event in January 2026 

The Priorities currently are:-

1. To enhance road safety by addressing offences such as highway obstruction, speeding and the anti-social use of vehicles

2. Prevent and detect serious acquisitive crime, with a particular focus on offences involving motor vehicles

Key Updates

•              Burglary Alerts: We understand burglary is a concern. When a burglary is reported, we’ll send out alerts via Derbyshire Alert within 24 hours to the affected area.

👉         Sign up to Derbyshire Alert https://orlo.uk/h3VoZ

👉       Complete our Community Voice Survey to share your views. https://orlo.uk/79dnW

Recent Investigations: 

A burglary in Thames Way, Hilton which resulted in two stolen vehicles-  A suspect has been identified, arrested and interviewed. We’ll share more once the investigation concludes.

A burglary in Wilmot road Swadlincote- A male was arrested, pled guilty at court on 16th October and has been remanded into custody to re appear at Crown court for sentencing on 13th November.

🚗Vehicle Crime Patrols: You’ve asked for more updates on patrols. While we’ve been cautious not to alert offenders, we can now share that—working with our Neighbourhood Crime Team and the NPCC’s Operation Alliance—we’ve:

o             Arrested 15 individuals

o             Checked 779 vehicles

o             Stopped 212 vehicles

o             Conducted 16 vehicle searches

o             Completed 7 property/person searches

o             Recovered 17 stolen vehicles

• Community Engagement Events: Each area will host three months of in-person engagement events, giving you the chance to meet your local officers face-to-face.

• Stay Connected: Follow our social media channels and Derbyshire Alert for updates, appeals, crime prevention advice, and event details.

I’ll be back in the New Year with a full update on our progress and to share the new community priorities. Thank you for your continued support in helping us keep South Derbyshire safe.

Warm regards, 

Inspector Leanne Craig 

Local Policing Inspector – South Derbyshire