Success tackling problem behaviour in Chesterfield

Classical music, increased patrols and turning off WiFi were all part of an innovative problem solving approach to reduce problem behaviour in a fast food restaurant in Chesterfield.

From August 2025, McDonald’s and neighbouring residents reported repeated issues with young people. The behaviour included teenagers throwing things, threatening staff, fighting, damaging property and intimidating local people.

In one week in August, at least 18 separate calls for service were made to our control room relating to this large group of young people.

To tackle this, officers implemented a Problem Solving Plan (PMP), which outlined a plan for targeted patrols and partnership work to manage the behaviour.

This plan included regular targeted patrols, community warning notices, and officers delivered letters to the children which outlined that they were banned and would not be served at the premises.

Officers also visited some of the children’s homes accompanied by a representative from their housing provider to warn the parents that their child’s behaviour could lead to eviction.

Chesterfield Football Club Community Trust also facilitated a range of activities in the local area to divert young people from getting involved in the group behaving antisocially.

Local officers also worked with McDonald’s management put measures in place to deter problem behaviour:

• Turning off WiFi and charging points after certain times,
• Closing the upstairs dining area in the evening,
• Body worn video cameras worn by some staff members,
• Placing a staff member on the door to grant entry after certain times,
• Playing classical music in evenings.

Police also met with staff regularly to discuss banned individuals and trained staff on what police would need in terms of evidence or on BWV.

To July 2026, we’ve seen a more than 70% reduction in calls for service in the area, and had positive feedback from all involved that the situation has improved.

Inspector Josh Carter said: “No one should feel unsafe when trying to do their job or visit a business. Whilst there is some tolerance for ‘kids to be kids’, the behaviour seen here clearly went beyond acceptable limits.

“The reduction in the number of incidents recorded has been across different weathers and school holidays, so is a promising indicator of the improvements made. Thank you to all those involved who took measures to achieve this.

“This shows the power of a joined up, partnership approach to tackle problem behaviour. We will continue to focus on this as part of the Chesterfield Town Centre Partnership, a project that brings together local partners to keep Chesterfield safe.”

Walter Wright, who owns and operates Chesterfield McDonald’s said; “I’m incredibly proud of the work that we have done with Derbyshire Police to help reduce crime outside of our Chesterfield McDonald’s. It is important to me that everyone in Chesterfield has an enjoyable experience and feels safe when visiting our restaurant. I’m pleased to see the results of our hard work, and I am honoured that McDonald’s has played its part.”