Melbourne Police SNT

01/11/2026

👮 HALLOWEEN WEEKEND PATROLS ACROSS SOUTH DERBYSHIRE 👮

Officers have been conducting high-visibility Halloween patrols across villages in South Derbyshire this weekend, supporting the many children-friendly autumnal events taking place.

💙 Thankfully, most young people and residents embraced the Halloween spirit responsibly, enjoying community events, donning fancy dress and celebrating with friends and family.

It was fantastic to see so many children having fun, safely and creating positive memories.

❌ Unfortunately, there were a few hiccups, involving some pumpkin-infused antisocial behaviour.

At the Highfields Estate, near Findern, officers were made aware of a group of teenagers who elected to ride e-scooters dangerously at speed on pavements, while very young children were navigating their way from house-to-house.

🚓 Nearby, in rural Findern, teenagers were seen approaching residents’ properties whilst wearing balaclavas, face coverings, and dark clothing. Police approached the youths who stated that they had decided to “dress-up as robbers” for the evening. With little thought for vulnerable residents who could be alarmed by this behaviour, the teenagers were dealt with and sent on their way.

Disappointingly, some older male teenagers, almost adult in age, appeared to use the occasion as an excuse to engage in further antisocial behaviour.

🚗 In Willington, on Twyford Road, police received a report of a group of youths hurling pumpkins at passing vehicles.

And elsewhere, in South Derbyshire, residents say they observed youths emptying sweet and gift displays into black bags; setting off fireworks irresponsibly; and kicking pumpkins around in local streets.

👮 Please remember that Halloween is a time for fun and enjoyment for young children and their families, not an opportunity for behaviour that causes alarm, distress and frustration within our communities.

Police, including Acting Sergeant Boniface and Officer Bob, will be patrolling the north of South Derbyshire on late shifts tonight, making it clear that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated.

01/11/2026

Our top safety tips for Bonfire Night.
Bonfire night is just around the corner, and whilst it’s a night for all ages to enjoy, it’s also important to talk about safety with children and young people before going to any organised fireworks events. Why not use our wordsearch as a conversation starter?

Here are some key tips to remember, remember on the fifth of November (and any other night you’re celebrating)!

If you’re heading to a large community event:
• Keep children away from bonfires and fireworks.
• Set up a meeting point at the event with your child in case you get separated.
• Take a picture of your child before the event, just in case you need help looking out for them if you can’t find them.

We always advise people to head to organised events but if you are planning on doing something at home then consider the following:
• Choose a site that you have permission to set fireworks from, away from wooden fences, sheds and where children will be playing
• Keep fireworks in a closed metal box and take them out one at a time.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on each firework. Read them by torch light, not a naked flame and always buy fireworks from a reputable source, look for the UKCA and CE markings.
• Light fireworks at arm’s-length, using a safety firework lighter or fuse wick and aimed away from any spectators or property, then stand back.
• NEVER go back to a firework once lit, it may still go off.
• Collect used fireworks with care, douse with water and bury them or place in a metal container.
• Keep children away from fireworks and bonfires.
• Keep pets indoors
• Take care with sparklers - young children should not handle these.
• NEVER throw fireworks. NEVER keep fireworks in your pocket.
• Keep a bucket of water handy.
• Ensure all flames and fires are fully extinguished and made safe before leaving them.

For more information, visit Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service's website.

🎇Fireworks and the law
Did you know it's against the law to set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am?

There are some exceptions to this, which are:
🧨Bonfire night, up until midnight.
🎇New Year's Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year, until 1am the following day.
👩‍⚖️It is also illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to buy or carry fireworks. Throwing or setting off fireworks in the streets is also against the law.

For a full list of anti-social behaviour reporting methods, please visit Derbyshire's ASB Hub. https://orlo.uk/OsPyK

26/10/2026

Please read the below

| We're seeing a massive spike in fraudulent phone calls, claiming to be from Derbyshire Constabulary and using a phone number linked to the force.

The calls appear to have been made this afternoon using a 'number spoofing' technique, whereby the fraudster changes the number displayed on people's phones when the call comes through.

None of these calls - from a number starting with 01773 and ending in 215 - have been made from Derbyshire police officers or staff.

The fraudsters are claiming to be police officers, stating that the victim's details have been recovered as part of a criminal investigation. They have then asked for personal details, including financial information.

⚠️ Our officers will never call you and ask for any financial details such as bank account numbers, PINs, or cryptocurrency information.

Anyone who receives such a call should hang up. Do not share any information over the phone.

Please do not call us on 101 or 999 to report this to us. The volume of calls about this fraudulent activity is causing unusually high wait times and this is why we want people to report online instead.

If you need to report a fraudulent call to us, please do so by using one of the below methods:

• Website – We have crime reporting tools on our website: https://orlo.uk/MV1QZ
• Facebook – send us a private message to the Derbyshire Constabulary page

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

23/10/2026

🎃 With Halloween just around the corner, many people across Derbyshire will be getting into the spooky spirit and planning how to celebrate. While lots of families enjoy trick-or-treating and dressing up, for others it's simply an ordinary evening. That's why we've made our 'No Trick or Treat' poster available to download and display in a window, helping residents let people know they'd prefer not to be disturbed.

You can download it from our website: https://orlo.uk/M0bW5

Please be respectful when celebrating. If you see a 'No Trick or Treat' poster, or a home without Halloween decorations, please leave them in peace and focus on celebrating with those who are happy to join in.
We've also created a poster for shops to display explaining that the sale of flour and eggs to young people may be restricted during the Halloween period. Throwing eggs or flour might seem like harmless fun, but it can cause distress, damage property and become a crime.
Chief Inspector Katie Andrews, our force lead for anti-social behaviour, said: "For many people, Halloween is a fun night that can be enjoyed safely. However, it can also be a stressful time for those who don't want uninvited visitors knocking on their door. Please follow our safety advice and respect those who do not wish to take part in trick-or-treating this Halloween. Officers will be out and about across Derbyshire throughout the Halloween and Bonfire Night period, helping to keep our communities safe."

👻Halloween safety tips 🎃
• Children should be accompanied by a responsible adult.
• Wear bright or reflective clothing and remember road safety.
• Keep Halloween tricks safe and respect other people's property.
• Only visit homes where you know you'll be welcome, such as those belonging to friends, family, neighbours or homes that are clearly decorated for trick-or-treaters.
• Never go inside the home of someone you don't know.

11/10/2026

👮 VISIBLE POLICE PRESENCE HELPS KEEP SOUTH DERBYSHIRE VILLAGE SAFE 👮

Officers from your local safer neighbourhood team conducted high-visibility patrols in Melbourne following the implementation of a dispersal order to address antisocial behaviour last night, (Saturday 10 October).

🚓 Through a proactive policing approach, officers patrolled the village after-dark, engaged with residents and maintained a visible presence in key areas.

Pleasingly, the second evening of the policing operation passed without incident, demonstrating the positive impact that early intervention and visible policing can have on community safety.

💙 Officers received a warm welcome from local people, whose support and cooperation were greatly appreciated.

Through a high-visibility evening patrol operation, officers deterred antisocial behaviour and reassured residents – all helping to keep our community safe.

10/10/2026

👮 PROACTIVE POLICE ACTION TO TACKLE ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOUR IN SOUTH DERBYSHIRE VILLAGE 👮

Yesterday, (Friday 9 October), safer neighbourhood team officers were out on foot patrol in Melbourne, enjoying the opportunity to engage with visitors and help keep a public event safe.

Most visitors behaved responsibly and enjoyed the occasion. However, as the night progressed, several youths believed to be under the influence of alcohol became a public nuisance.

❌ As the evening continued, officers used dispersal powers to remove those persons involved in antisocial behaviour from the area. Police also confiscated alcohol, conducted stop searches, and seized an illegal e-scooter from a man. With keen disappointment, parents were also instructed to collect drunken children.

In one particularly concerning incident, an officer attempting to provide medical assistance to a drunken teenager was surrounded by youths who subjected him to a stream of appalling obscenities and aggression. Such behaviour towards an officer who was simply trying to help someone in need is completely unacceptable.

✅ Officers are now urging parents to make sure they know where their children are, and police will continue to take necessary action to deal with antisocial behaviour.

Police will attend and patrol the event again tonight – and a dispersal order remains in place following increased reports of antisocial behaviour, running until 16:00 hours on Sunday 11 October.

08/10/2026

🎄🎁 Are you thinking of buying an E-Scooter for Christmas ?

👮Have you considered the Law regarding their use.
Privately owned E-Scooters CANNOT be used on the roads, pavements, cycle lanes or any other public space, they can only be used on private land with the owners permission.

🚓 What can happen if you are stopped whilst using one ?
The E-Scooter will be seized by the Police and can be disposed of. You may be liable for prosecution which could result in points on your driving licence and a fine.

👩‍⚖️What if my child is stopped on an E-Scooter I brought for them?
If your child is under the age of 16yrs and you have brought them the E-Scooter then you will also be liable for prosecution and can also receive points on your licence.

https://orlo.uk/4HbZU

29/09/2026

This update outlines the progress made on the community priorities set for your area by the Local Policing Inspector Craig, in collaboration with the Safer Neighbourhood Supervisors- Sgt Adams and PCSO Supervisor Wallington-Waite. Community priorities are reviewed and set on a quarterly basis, guiding the focus of the Safer Neighbourhood Team’s activity, in this update, you’ll find:

• A summary of the previous priorities
• The actions taken and outcomes achieved
• The new priorities for the upcoming quarter

New priorities are determined by analysing local crime trends and incorporating feedback from you, the community, through engagement events, surveys and direct contact.

The previous priorities were:
• Continue to tackle Anti-social behaviour (ASB), especially around Melbourne and Lowes Lane, addressing nuisance behaviour, fly tipping and illegal vehicle use.
• Road safety.

Actions Taken:
• We have continued working with the Environmental enforcement team at SDDC who are responsible for the enforcement of fly tipping offences, we completed this work as a Joint Problem Management plan and have liaised around updates to the PSPO on Lowes Lane.
• During regular targeted patrols several stop searches have been completed in the location, some of which have been positive for small amounts of cannabis.
• We have conducted Off-road bike/ ASB targeted operations and patrols resulting in- A Male being located who was wanted by Leicestershire police -bike seized as suspected stolen and following a pursuit and foot chase a male has been charged with Fail to stop, dangerous driving, no licence, no insurance, assault police and possession of a zombie knife/machete.
• CREST speed checks have been completed in Melbourne and Shardlow
• A youth has been dealt with for Traffic Offences after being seen on a Suron e bike driving dangerously in the middle of the road pulling wheelies in Melbourne
• Officers have removed several bikes and from the Melbourne and Swarkestone area following them failing to stop for police including seizing 2 unregistered quad bikes which were travelling around the area.
• A Pursuit took place on the outskirts of Melbourne, the vehicle crashed in the Leicestershire area causing significant damage to property, the driver has been charged with Failing to stop, dangerous driving, aggravated vehicle taking, no insurance and drink driving. Case due in crown court soon.
• A young male has been arrested for attempt GBH on the cloud trail whilst on an off-road bike and 2 other counts of dangerous driving in Melbourne.
• An arrest has been made regarding a theft of motor bike in Melbourne –enquiries ongoing.
• A driver has been reported for excess speed along cockshut way Melbourne.
• A meeting has been held with all the pubs and bars in Melbourne where reporting, sharing information and working together was discussed
• A female was arrested after failing a roadside breath test- Snelsmoor lane Chellaston

Following a review the new priorities have now been set, they are: -
• Proactive targeted patrols for possession of Drugs
• Antisocial use and offences caused by Off road bikes
• Serious acquisitive crime
• Education surrounding crime prevention relevant to the area

In relation to Serious Acquisitive Crime, we will:
• Continue high visibility and plain clothes patrols in hotspot areas.
• Share crime prevention advice through social media, community events and Derbyshire Alert, raising awareness of current issues.
• Promote security measures such as tool marking, steering locks and CCTV.
• Work with partners including local authorities, bordering police forces and national policing teams to share intelligence and prevent offending.

In relation to Encouraging and educating on Crime Prevention relevant to the area we will:
• Send out fortnightly messages around Crime prevention, monitoring reports made to Police and partners to identifying any crime trends and tailor our advice to these.
• Promote security measures such as tool marking, steering locks and CCTV.
• Publicise successful interventions to reassure the community and encourage reporting.
• Liaise/ work with our Rural crime team around crime prevention advise for the rural community
• Hold crime prevention events throughout the area.

In Relation to Antisocial use and offences caused by Off road bikes we will: -
• Conduct regular high visibility and plains clothes patrols in known hotspot areas taking proactive enforcement if offences located.
• Promote road safety awareness through school visits and youth engagement sessions.
• Work with our Roads Policing Unit for joint operations where necessary
• Share updates via Derbyshire Alert and social media
• Publicise successful interventions to reassure the community and encourage reporting.

And finally in relation to Proactive targeted patrols for possession of Drugs, we will: -
• Gather and follow community intelligence and conduct regular high visibility and plain clothes patrols in known hotspot areas, taking proactive enforcement if offences located.
• Publicise successful interventions to reassure the community and encourage reporting
• Work closely with our Youth Engagement team to help deter youths away from drug use.

28/09/2026

My name is Inspector Leanne Craig; I am the local Policing Inspector for South Derbyshire. As always, my commitment to you remains unchanged:
- To engage with our communities
- To solve problems collaboratively
- To ensure that those who cause harm are held accountable
- To prevent crime
I am dedicated to working alongside residents and partners to keep South Derbyshire a safe place to live, work and visit. As we move into Autumn 2026, I would like to share our updated community priorities for the next quarter, along with progress on the priorities set prior to the Summer of 2026.

Firstly, I will talk about our local policing approach. South Derbyshire is a large and diverse area, divided into six policing areas, each with its own local community priorities. These priorities are shaped by what you tell us matters most, supported by local crime and incident data. Each area will receive a detailed update shortly on what they all are.

When setting priorities, our Neighbourhood Supervisors, partners within the Community Safety Partnership and I, not only look at recorded crime and incident data (that is what has been reported through incidents and recorded crime) but we also listen to feedback from the community, this can be from in-person events within the community, social media updates or survey results from our Community Messaging Service Derbyshire Alert -I encourage you to sign up – https://orlo.uk/kDLiw

Just so you are aware, these are local priorities set by you and our local safer neighbourhood team.
🚓 We also have 5 response/investigative teams who provide a service to all of South Derbyshire in terms of responding to reported incidents and crimes. 🚓

When reviewing all six areas, there are a diverse range of issues that matter the most to the communities, but there is a common theme running through numerous areas such as ASB, Road Safety and Serious Acquisitive Crime. I have made these priorities where they matter the most.

Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB):-
We know ASB continues to be a significant concern. In response, we have implemented a range of targeted patrol strategies, guided by analysis to ensure they are as effective as possible. We also use an incremental approach to tackling ASB alongside South Derbyshire District Council- https://orlo.uk/33QGf
This joint work has led to action against individuals causing harm, long term problem solving initiatives, and educational inputs for the public and young people on both prevention and enforcement. We will continue to prioritise this work.

Drugs Enforcement:-
Our teams have executed a number of warrants under the Misuse of Drugs Act, removing drugs and criminal assets from those involved in offending. In one example this year, officers located a significant quantity of Class A drugs, cash, and weapons—including zombie knives. This led to charges, remand, and a successful conviction, helping to disrupt criminal activity and protect our communities. Will continue with our efforts in this area.

Serious Acquisitive Crime:-
In my previous update, I shared details of our operation targeting serious acquisitive crime, including travelling criminals, burglary, and vehicle theft. The operation ran in the early winter months 2025 and we have done this again this year since our last priorities were set. We have analysed the results of these operations and we can prove a positive measurable impact on SAC offences -it reduced crime. We will continue with our efforts in this area.

Crime Prevention:-
Crime Prevention remains one of my key priorities. While responding to and investigating crime is an important part of our role, preventing offences from occurring in the first place is equally important. Working alongside our partners at South Derbyshire District Council, we continue to promote a range of crime prevention initiatives aimed at improving home security, reducing repeat victimisation, and supporting vulnerable members of our community. Over the past year, we have increased the number of crime prevention referrals made to South Derbyshire District Council, helping to ensure that preventative measures are targeted at those who need them most. We also continue to provide practical crime prevention advice though community engagement events, Derbyshire Alert, and our social media channels.
This quarter, I have introduced a commitment across all areas for tailored crime prevention messages to be issued every two weeks. These messages will focus on local crime trends and emerging issues, providing residents with timely advice and information to help keep themselves, their families, and their property safe.

Road Safety:-
We recognise that road safety is a major concern for many residents, and it features heavily in local priorities. We are actively working with partners such as Community Speed Watch and CREST. Since the last update we have continued to seize vehicles for road traffic offences and vehicles causing ASB under the Police Reform Act. We will continue to do this.

Youth Voice Priority: Fear of Knife Crime
One of our neighbourhood priorities has been identified through engagement with young people by our Youth Engagement Team. This priority is focused on feedback from local youths about the issues that matter the most to them. The main concern raised was a fear of knife crime. Although South Derbyshire continues to experience low levels of violent crime, we welcome the opportunity to work with young people to help them feel safer and address these concerns. This will build on the work we already undertake through the year, including activities linked to Operation Sceptre

Community priorities are set together, Your feedback is vital. It has shaped our latest community priorities alongside crime data. Some priorities remain unchanged due to ongoing concerns, while others have evolved to reflect what matters most to you now. Thank you to everyone who has engaged with us so far. Please continue to share your concerns and information—it truly makes a difference.

You can stay involved by signing up to Derbyshire Alert and completing the survey here: https://orlo.uk/t9L9P
For crime prevention advice or referrals to Safer Homes, please visit: https://orlo.uk/u8IpN Safer homes- https://orlo.uk/32d3p

I will provide a further update towards the end of 2026. Thank you for your continued support. Inspector Leanne Craig. Local Policing Inspector, South Derbyshire

25/09/2026

| Did you witness assault in Barrow-upon-Trent? | Reference 26000483846

We are appealing for the public’s help to trace two people who witnessed and intervened during an assault in Barrow-upon-Trent.

The incident occurred near bridge 17 on Deep Dale Lane between midnight and 12.30am on 13 August when a man assaulted a woman.

A number of people were camping in the area at the time to enjoy the solar eclipse and we know that two people saw the assault and intervened to help the victim.

Officers are keen to speak to them as they may have information which could help with our investigation.

A man in his 50s has been arrested in connection with the incident. He has been released on bail as investigations continue.

If you were the people who witnessed the incident, or know who they are, contact us using any of the below methods, quoting the reference 26000483846:
• Website – We have crime reporting tools on our website: https://orlo.uk/PfbJy
• Facebook – send us a private message to the Derbyshire Constabulary 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://orlo.uk/exoZ9