16-07-2025
Police patrols increase in Derby after attack on pawnbroker's window
Police patrols will be increasing in Derby city centre after three people used weapons to smash a pawnbroker's window in the city centre.
Shocking video shows the moment offenders, all wearing dark clothing, carried out the attack, before running off towards St Peter's churchyard. They are believed to have got into an awaiting vehicle.
Derbyshire police said no one was injured.
Over the last few weeks there has been an increased police presence following concerns about public safety, with more in-depth monitoring of CCTV and targeting known offenders.
Supt Rebecca Webster, who oversees city centre policing, said: 'This is a collective issue which needs to see all our partners coming together.
"Police resources are conducting high visibility patrols, but we can't be in all places all the time, which is why we are focusing on hotspot areas. We are also targeting those offenders we know are committing crime which blights our city.
'We have done a lot of work in and around the city centre, carrying out stop searches with a positive find rate of 58%, and arrests made for a multitude of offences.
"We use both uniform and plain-clothes officers, so while you may think there are not officers in the area, some of our team is less overt.
'Recently we have made several arrests for possession of weapons, including machetes; we have responded to local concerns about the use of e-scooters, seizing more than 39 in one day, we have identified vulnerable victims and worked to support them, and every day we are responding to incidents."
Police say their enquiries into the incident in St Peter's Street are on going.
Supt Webster said: 'I understand that people are concerned about this attack at the Pawnbrokers, for it to happen in the middle of the afternoon is brazen.
"Officers were in the area and attended soon after the incident happened, and our enquiries are ongoing.
'It is clear several people recorded the incident and will have taken photos or video of the crime in action, and I would ask that you send that in to us, as it could help us identify those responsible.
'If you do have concerns about public safety in the area, please engage with our officers who are patrolling, and doing the best we possibly can.
"We need everyone to come together to address this issue, and to keep Derby safe to live, work and visit.'
Op Shango, which sees extra patrols targeting areas where there has been reports of disruptive or nuisance behaviour, is continuing in the area.
A dedicated operation has also been taking place to target persistent offenders.
There is a team of neighbourhood officers for the city centre, who are working with businesses and the community to address concerns and provide a visible presence.
Shopwatch is also continuing to be used to share information across businesses.
