Posted on 24th October 2011
Burglars, car thieves and those profiting from a life of crime are the targets of a new Derbyshire Constabulary campaign which gets under way this week.
Operation Rocky has been set up to tackle those involved in serious acquisitive crime, such as burglary and car crime, in north Derbyshire.
It will include enforcement action against those involved in crime as well as raising awareness with local residents and businesses.
The month-long operation will also target anti-social behaviour which traditionally increases around the Halloween and Bonfire Night period.
One of the key themes of the operation is ‘Dirty Cash’ which is appealing to local people to call Crimestoppers with information on those they suspect are prospering from crime.
It is based around the Proceeds of Crime Act [POCA] and other legislation which allows police to pursue criminals through the courts to confiscate their ill-gotten gains.
A special launch event will be held in Chesterfield Market Place on Thursday (October 27) where shoppers will be able to see some of the items seized from criminals in the last year.
Other activities that will take place during the operation include targeting cross-border criminals using our roads to commit crime, burglary awareness and prevention, and a crackdown on drugs.
Safer Neighbourhood teams and local Community Safety Partnerships will also work with their local communities to tackle lower level crime and anti-social behaviour associated with Halloween and Bonfire Night.
The operation covers the whole of ‘C Division’ including Chesterfield, Bolsover, NE Derbyshire and Amber Valley.
Chief Inspector Graham McLaughlin, who is leading the operation, said: “Historically, as the darker nights begin to draw in, we see an increase in crime, particularly house burglary and criminal damage.
“Operation Rocky will see dozens of extra officers focussed on this type of crime with their sole aim to disrupt and arrest persistent offenders and others within our communities who break the law.
“Criminals enjoying a lifestyle of expensive cars, large houses, designer labels and the latest gadgets are at the centre of Operation Rocky. We're appealing to local people to call Crimestoppers anonymously with information about those who they suspect are prospering from crime whether it is from selling fake goods, offering stolen property for sale or trading in duty evaded alcohol and cigarettes. We will seize money and other property from offenders who are profiting from crime at the expense of our communities.
“Half of this money seized is retained by the police for reinvestment into local projects, rewarding those communities that come together to reduce crime.
“Operation Rocky will hit back at crime and criminals and reward active communities”
Anyone with information about crime or anti-social behaviour can contact Derbyshire police on the new non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.