Derbyshire NW Joins Safer Streets Summer Blitz to Tackle Town Centre Crime

Derbyshire NW Joins Safer Streets Summer Blitz to Tackle Town Centre Crime

📍 Derby, 3 July 2025

Safer Streets Summer Blitz

Safer Streets Summer Blitz – Derbyshire NW has stepped firmly into the national drive to combat rising town centre crime by joining over 500 towns nationwide in the Safer Streets Summer Blitz, aimed at making high streets safer and more inviting places for families, shoppers, and businesses.

Chair Dr Fatima Eltinay and Project Lead Abbie Coleman were present at the government-hosted launch at Derby County Football Club, standing alongside national and local leaders including Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, MP Jess Phillips, Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts, Chief Constable Rachel Swann, and Assistant Chief Constable Michelle Shooter, who leads on Local Policing, Contact Management and Operational Support for Derbyshire Constabulary.

National response to rising crime

This bold initiative follows concerning data, showing theft from the person doubled and shoplifting rose by over 60% between December 2022 and December 2024, with increasing abuse directed towards retail staff. The initiative is a key part of the government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, kicking off in July with plans for named officers in communities, increased town centre patrols at peak times, and anti-social behaviour leads across forces.

Derbyshire’s local action plan

As part of the summer blitz, Derbyshire will benefit from:

• More visible policing in key town centre hotspots
• A Night Time Economy Charter to deliver consistent proactive policing strategies
• Close collaboration between police, councils, and local organisations
• Enhanced youth engagement programmes to keep young people active and supported during holidays

Dr Fatima Eltinay, Chair of Derbyshire NW, said:

“This initiative is not just about enforcement. It’s about rebuilding trust in neighbourhood policing, offering proactive youth support, and showing the local volunteers that their efforts are recognised at a national level. Derbyshire NW is proud to be part of this.”

Abbie Coleman, Project Lead, added:

“Being part of this national moment is a huge boost for Derbyshire NW. Our communities have long deserved better protection, more visible policing, and practical solutions for tackling anti-social behaviour. The energy in the room today was incredible — and the plans coming to Derbyshire are exciting, collaborative, and people-focused.”

Tackling Retail Crime Together

The launch event also introduced the Tackling Retail Crime Together Strategy, which brings together retailers, police, and security firms to share real-time intelligence, target prolific offenders and organised criminal networks, and support frontline retail staff.

This summer, Derbyshire NW will roll out community-led programmes across Chesterfield, South Derbyshire, and neighbouring areas. Highlights include:

• Pop-up role-play police stations for children
• Safety campaigns co-designed with local councils and businesses
• Expanded partnerships with schools, sports clubs, and youth groups

The event truly underscored how regional organisations can amplify their impact when aligned with national priorities—and Derbyshire NW is leading the charge locally.

To get involved in Derbyshire NW’s summer safety activities or volunteer with us, visit www.derbyshireneighbourhoodwatch.co.uk

#DerbyshireNW #SaferStreets #CommunitySafety #DerbyshireFamilies