Joint statement from Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts, Police and Crime Commissioner for Derbyshire, and Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council:
Like everyone else we were appalled to see yesterday’s incident in St Peter’s Street. We cannot tolerate this kind of criminal behaviour in our city and would urge anyone with information to assist the police in their ongoing investigation.
Derby City Council and partners in the private and public sectors are investing in our city centre. We believe in Derby. Our aim is to make our city a welcoming and vibrant place to live, work and visit, and we won’t let the criminal activity of a minority detract from this.
Many positive things are happening in Derby, and this has to be backed up by action that reassures the public and makes them feel safe in our city. We fully support the police in their investigation into this crime.
We're committed to working in partnership for the benefit of the public. Police patrols are increasing in the city centre following yesterday's incident, during which the window of a Pawnbrokers was smashed by three suspects. There has been an increased police presence over the last few weeks, with more in-depth monitoring of CCTV and targeting known offenders. The Council’s Public Protection Officers patrol the city centre, offering a presence that both supports the police and reassures the public.
There is a team of neighbourhood officers for the City Centre, who are working with businesses and the local community to address concerns and provide a visible presence. Shopwatch is continuing to be used to share information across businesses.
Thousands of people visit Derby’s city centre safely every day, and we won’t let the actions of a few undermine this.