Numerous arrests made as part of dedicated operation in north east Derbyshire

Officers made a number of arrests as part of a dedicated operation to target thieves and other suspected criminals in north east Derbyshire.

Operation Intake was run across last week - Monday 11 May to Sunday 17 May – following a rise in home burglaries, shed break-ins, car and bike thefts.

Officers acted upon information given to us by the public to deliver patrols, enforcement and engagement with the public in order to target suspected criminals.

The week of action resulted in the arrest of 12 people for a range of offences including theft, drug driving, possession of an offensive weapon and drugs possession. 

A Nissan failed to stop for officers in Grassmoor and following a short pursuit the vehicle was stung and boxed in by the Roads Policing Unit late on Monday 11 May. A 31-year-old woman was arrested for drug driving.

The same day, the Roads Policing Unit stopped a Ford Transit van in Heath and arrested the driver on suspicion of stealing a mobile phone from Tesco Petrol Station in Clay Cross.

Bernard McDonagh (33) of Whiteleas Avenue, North Wingfield, pleaded guilty to stealing a mobile phone and making off without paying for fuel during an appearance at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 13 May.

He was given a two-year prison sentence, suspended for 26 months, and handed a restraining order not to contact the victim or to enter the Tesco Petrol Station in Clay Cross for the next two years.

Officers from the Force Proactive Team and Dog Section stopped a vehicle in Trevorrow Crescent, Chesterfield, in the early hours of Tuesday 12 May following intelligence that the driver may be involved in drug dealing.

A burner phone containing messages relating to the supply of drugs was discovered. The driver was taken to a police station and a large quantity of suspected crack cocaine was also found on him.

The 55-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply crack cocaine.

Officers from the Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNT), Neighbourhood Acquisitive Crime Teams (NACT) and Neighbourhood Enforcement Team (NET) carried out increased patrols in order to build up intelligence on suspects, for public reassurance and to issue crime prevention advice to residents.

Our cadets were out in force to support with leaflet drops giving crime prevention advice around Killamarsh, Eckington and Wingerworth.

Force proactive and operational support teams worked together with the dogs unit to carryout additional patrols along the M1, A617 and A61 – all of which are main corridor routes in and out of the north of the county.

Officers observed a motorbike with suspected fake number plates joining the M1 at junction 30 and driving dangerously at over 120mph.

The rider and their pillion passenger evaded police during a pursuit before crashing the suspected stolen Yamaha motorbike in Clowne.

They ran off into some woods but officers managed to catch up with one of the suspects.

An 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy were both arrested on suspicion of theft, failing to stop and dangerous driving.    

Detective Inspector Nikki Gray said: “Dedicated operations like this give us an opportunity to really highlight to the public how different policing teams are continually working together in order to keep our communities safe.

“Op Intake yielded some excellent results in which a number of suspects were arrested and are now in the process of being brought to justice.

“We are aware of the issues around theft and burglary in the north eastern part of the county and I would like to encourage members of the public to keep reporting crimes and highlighting issues with us.

“This key information helps to inform our patrol strategies and where and when we deliver targeted operations on top of our day-to-day work to keep people safe. 

“Op Intake is a prime example of how we do listen to the feedback of the public and take action.

“Our blend of high-visibility policing, crime prevention work and investigative knowhow will continue and we remain committed to tackling the issues that matter the most to the people of Derbyshire.”

For crime prevention advice please visit:-

Keep burglars out of your property | Derbyshire Constabulary

Keeping your shed or garage safe and secure | Crime prevention | Derbyshire Constabulary

Preventing car and vehicle theft | Crime Prevention | Derbyshire Constabulary

Protect your bike from theft | Derbyshire Constabulary

Crimes can be reported to us via the methods below:-

• Website – We have crime reporting tools on our website: https://www.derbyshire.police.uk/
• Facebook – send us a private message to the Derbyshire Constabulary Facebook page
• Phone – call us on 101 

You can also anonymously contact the independent charity CrimeStoppers, on 0800 555 111, or by visiting the CrimeStoppers website: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/

For emergencies call 999.