NEW PLANS FOR DRUG DRIVING LAW WELCOMED -
Derby and Derbyshire Road Safety Partnership has welcomed government plans to crack down on those who drive while under the influence of drugs More…

‘RINGING THE CHANGES’ INCIDENTS IN CHESTERFIELD -
Police in Chesterfield have issued CCTV images of people they want to speak to re: ‘ringing the changes’ incidents More…

POLICE WARN ABOUT ANIMALS BOUGHT ABROAD -
Police warn tourists not to buy animals while on holiday abroad after a rare tortoise was confiscated from a Matlock woman. More…

UNDERAGE ALCOHOL PURCHASE TEST LEAD TO INVESTIGATION -
2 Alfreton area pubs are being investigated following an undercover test purchase operation by the police, council and trading standards. More…

POLICE SAY RECRUITMENT DRIVE A SUCCESS -
Derbyshire Constabulary has thanked potential new recruits for their interest in joining the force. More…

POLICE SEIZE ALCOHOL FROM GRASSMOOR TEENS -
3 cans of lager, 2 bottles of wine and more than 2 litres of cider have been seized from two underage drinkers in Grassmoor. More…

E-FIT ISSUED AFTER STAVELEY CHILD SNATCH ATTEMPT -
Detectives investigating an incident in Staveley have released an image of a man who may have information to help the investigation. More…

QUAD BIKE SEIZED BY POLICE IN BARROW HILL –
Police in Barrow Hill have seized a quad bike after a man was found to be riding it illegally. More…

POLICE SEEK GOOD SAMARITANS AFTER ECKINGTON ASSAULT -
Police officers who are investigating an allegation of assault are trying to trace a couple who helped the victim More…

CAUTION URGED AFTER STRANGERS APPROACH CHILDREN-
Police in Belper and the Wirksworth areas are investigating three suspicious incidents that have been reported recently. More…

ONLINE CHAT PROVES A HIT WITH POLICE -
As we reported on Monday (30th April), an online recruitment chat for people interested in becoming a Derbyshire police officer has proved so successful that another has been announced. More…

DELIBERATE FIRES PROMPT POLICE APPEAL -
Police in Barrow Hill are appealing for information after a number of deliberate bin fires in the area. More…

LOCAL REVELLERS REMINDED TO KEEP VALUABLES SAFE -
Police in Chesterfield are reminding partygoers to keep their handbags and belongings safe. More…

POLICE LAUNCH WEB PAGE TO SHOWCASE DRUGS WORK -
A new webpage, dedicated to keeping communities better informed about the work to tackle drugs in the county, was launched today by Derbyshire Police. More Video…

NEW DERBYSHIRE POLICE ON THE BEAT FOR FIRST TIME IN YEARS -
Derbyshire Constabulary is looking for new recruits for the first time in nearly four years. More…

POLICE APPEAL AFTER MAN APPROACHES SCHOOLGIRL -
Police are appealing for witnesses following an incident involving a 10 year-old girl in Staveley. More…

POLICE APPEAL AFTER STONES THROWN AT TRAINS -
British Transport Police (BTP) officers are appealing for information after two trains were pelted with stones on a half a mile stretch of track north of Chesterfield. More…

SUDBURY PRISONER EXTRADITED BACK TO UK AFTER 2 YEARS ON THE RUN -
A man who left Sudbury Open Prison and fled to Australia more than 2 years ago has now been returned and sentenced to a further 4 months in jail. More…

POLICE LOOK INTO BOLSOVER THEFTS -
Police investigating a theft from a jeweller’s in Bolsover have released CCTV images of three people they would like to speak to. More…

POLICE – WATCH YOUR PURSE AFTER TOWN CENTRE THEFTS -
Police in Chesterfield are appealing for people to be vigilant following purse thefts in and around the market place in the town centre. More…

STALKING – DON’T SUFFER IN SILENCE -
Today, on National Stalking Awareness Day, a woman harassed by her ex-partner speaks of her ordeal to encourage other stalking victims to seek help. More…

CONCERN AS 5 INMATES ABSCOND FROM LOCAL PRISON -
There are concerns tonight after 5 prisoners have absconded in seven days from a prison in Derbyshire. More…

POLICE APPEAL AFTER PILSLEY BARN FIRE KILLS TWO PIGS -
Police investigating a suspicious fire at a farm in Pilsley are appealing for information. More…

POLICE OUTLINE COMMITMENT TO PUBLIC -
Derbyshire Constabulary has launched a new commitment to the public, which outlines the level of service it provides. More…

TRANSPORT POLICE APPEAL AFTER LOCAL FOOTBALL FANS ‘ABUSE PASSENGERS’-
British Transport Police officers are calling on the public for information following an incident on a train travelling to Derby where a number of passengers were verbally abused. More…

DERBYSHIRE POLICE RELEASE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DVD -
An awareness campaign to reduce domestic violence is being launched by Derbyshire Constabulary and its partners. More…

ALL IN A DAYS WORK -
Two teenagers from Chesterfield have been given an insight into police work during a tour of Derbyshire Police headquarters. More…

MAN FINED AFTER SCRAPPING STOLEN ROAD SIGNS -
A man has been fined and ordered to pay compensation after admitting that he stole 86 road signs and sold them to a scrap merchant. More…

CRIME DOESN’T PAY FOR CHESTERFIELD MAN -
Magistrates in Chesterfield have stripped almost £5,000 from a man found with the cash in his car boot. More…

METAL THEFTS PROMPT SAFETY FEARS -
Western Power Distribution, the Midlands’ electricity distributor, is urging Derbyshire residents to be vigilant after metal thefts across the county. More…

549 SEX CRIMES REPORTED TO DERBYSHIRE POLICE -
Figures released today by the NSPCC show that 549 sex crimes against children were reported to Derbyshire Police last year. More…

DRUGS DOGS PROVE VALUABLE IN CHESTERFIELD -
Two specialist drugs dogs joined police on patrol in Chesterfield and Ripley this weekend as part of a clampdown on the possession and supply of drugs. More…

DERBYSHIRE SEES FALL IN CRIME RATE -
Crime has fallen for the 9th year in a row in Derbyshire and the chances of being a victim of crime are now at the lowest level for a generation More…

SKIPPING THE ANTI SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR -
An action group set up to help tackle anti-social behaviour in a Chesterfield village is providing skips for residents to get rid of unwanted items and improve the area. More…

CHESTERFIELD MOBILITY RETAILER THAT TARGETED ELDERLY IS HALTED -
Four Chesterfield-based companies selling orthopaedic products to elderly people at home, have been wound up by the Court in the public interest More…

FAKE ID SEIZED BY POLICE IN CHESTERFIELD -
Police visited pubs and clubs in Chesterfield and seized 4 driving licences as part of a clampdown on under 18s using fake or borrowed ID. More…

NUISANCE RIDERS WARNED BY POLICE -
Two 4×4 owners and a motorcyclist have been given warnings after being caught on private land by police in Bolsover. More…

GREEN FINGERS CAN NOW BEAT CRIME -
Green fingered residents in Chesterfield will be given tips on how to keep their lawnmowers safe during a crime prevention event at a local garden centre. More…

POLICE ADVICE AFTER THEFTS FROM CARS IN CHESTERFIELD -
Police are urging motorists to keep their cars and belongings safe following a number of thefts from vehicles across Chesterfield and NE Derbyshire in the last week. More…

POLICE UNDERCOVER FOR UNDERAGE DRINKING TEST -
An undercover test purchase operation on pubs and clubs in Chesterfield found less than 25% were selling alcohol to people under the age of 18. More…

NEW FEET ON THE BEAT IN BRIMINGTON -
A new community bobby is pounding Brimington’s pavements – PC Sean Sanderson has taken over from PC Fran Townsend as the Safer Neighbourhoods policing officer in the area More…

POLICE LAUNCH CAMPAIGN AGAINST UNDERAGE DRINKING -
A campaign to crack down on teenagers using fake ID to get into pubs and clubs in Chesterfield is being launched by police. More…

POLICE NEW APPEAL FOR COLLISION WITNESSES -
Police officers investigating a serious collision near Creswell in north east Derbyshire have renewed their appeal for witnesses. More…

POORLY DRIVERS PUT LIVES AT RISK -
Derby and Derbyshire Road Safety Partnership is warning poorly drivers to play it safe after a survey revealed that almost 20% of drivers take to the road whilst unfit to drive. More…

POLICE URGE BIKE OWNERS TO BE AWARE -
Motorcycle and scooter owners are being reminding to be security conscious after a number of thefts and attempted thefts in the Staveley area. More…

MEN JAILED AFTER BOLSOVER
BURGLARY -
Three men who broke into a Bolsover home and then stole three cars from the driveway have been jailed. More…

NEW CCTV IMAGES AFTER TOWN CENTRE JEWELLERY
ROBBERY -
Police have released new CCTV images of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the theft of 3 necklaces from a 70 year old woman’s neck More…

GO AHEAD FOR NEW POLICE OFFICER RECRUITMENT IN DERBYSHIRE -
Derbyshire Police Authority today formally approved a plan which sets out how the force aims to make the county safer over the next four years. More…

DO YOU KNOW THESE MEN? -
Derbyshire Police say that they want to trace a number of men they want to speak to following disorder during an Alfreton Town match. More…

APPEAL AFTER 70 YEAR OLD WOMAN SUFFERS JEWELLERY THEFT -
Police in Chesterfield are appealing for witnesses after an elderly woman had three chains stolen from her neck. More…

OFFENDERS GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY -
Offenders on the Community Payback Scheme are giving a Chesterfield park a facelift as part of a partnership project to improve the area and reduce nuisance behaviour. More…

POLICE RELEASE CCTV IMAGES AFTER TOWN JEWELLERY ROBBERY -
Police have released CCTV images of 2 men they would like to speak to in connection with the theft of jewellery in Chesterfield town centre. More…

DRONFIELD POLICE STATION TO CLOSE NEXT WEEK -
The front counter at the Dronfield Police Station, in Lea Road, will close to the public on Friday, February 24th. More…

INCREASED POLICE PRESENCE AFTER GRAVE THEFTS -
Police in Eckington have increased patrols around a cemetery following a number of thefts of ornaments from graves. More…

OZBOX PARTNERSHIP SEES MORE KIDS BOX CLEVER -
Fifty volunteers have attended a three-day course at Chesterfield Police Station to allow them to deliver Ozbox sessions across the county. More…

4×4 OWNERS GET TRACKING DEVICES -
Two 4×4 owners have been presented with free tracking devices worth more than £500 following an action day targeting car crime in Chesterfield. More…

PUPILS ON PATROL IN STAVELEY -
Parents parked inconsiderately outside a Staveley school received a telling off by pupils as part of an initiative with local police. More…

FAKE TOBACCO FACTORY GANG JAILED -
An operation led by HMRC which halted what they termed today as ‘organised crime on an industrial scale’ has now seen a criminal gang jailed More…

CHESTERFIELD MAN IN COURT FOR ILLEGAL TRANSPORTING OF TYRES -
A Chesterfield man received a suspended prison sentence after illegally storing thousands of tyres and transporting some of them to Vietnam. More…

BUDGET CUTS FORCE POLICE ENQUIRY OFFICE CHANGES -
After police budget reductions, Derbyshire Constabulary was left with a deficit of £13m by the end of 2012/13 and a predicted £24m by 2014/15. More…

APPEAL AFTER ATTACK ON STUDENT -
Detectives in Chesterfield are appealing for witnesses after a teenager was assaulted and had his wallet stolen. More…

POLICE SEIZE ALCOHOL FROM YOUNGSTERS -
Local Police seized 30 bottles of alcohol from underage drinkers as part of a clampdown on nuisance behaviour. More…

PARENTS WARNED OF TEENAGE DRINKING DANGERS -
Police and Chesterfield Community Safety Partnership urge parents to consider consequence of buying alcohol for under 18′s. More…

TEEN JAILED AFTER UNPROVOKED ATTACK IN CHESTERFIELD -
A teenager has been sentenced to 16 months in a young offenders’ institution after taking part in an unprovoked attack on a man in Chesterfield. More…

IMAGES RELEASED AFTER CHESTERFIELD ASSAULT -
Police have released images of two men they would like to speak to about an assault in Chesterfield More…

DO YOU KNOW THIS MAN? -
Police have released an Evo-Fit image of a suspect who is believed to have been involved in a Christmas Eve assault in Killamarsh More…

3 MEN BANNED AFTER FIGHT AT CHESTERFIELD FC HOME GAME -
Three men have been given football banning orders following a fight after a Chesterfield FC home match. More…

ATTEMPTED HIJACK MAN JAILED -
A man who attempted to hijack a woman’s car as she drove through Chesterfield has been jailed for 3 years. More…

4×4 ACTION DAY AT B2NET A “HUGE SUCCESS” -
The recent 4×4 Action day at Chesterfield FC’s B2net Stadium was hailed a huge success More…

EYES DOWN … LOOK AROUND -
Neighbourhood police in Chesterfield are hoping for a full house when they visit a bingo hall to give out crime prevention and safety advice. More…

BOY ROBBED IN DRONFIELD – POLICE APPEAL -
The 12 year old victim was using his mobile phone when they were approached by two teenagers on bikes who demanded they hand them over. More…

POLICE INITIATIVE TO CUT 4×4 THEFTS -
Derbyshire Constabulary and Chesterfield Football Club are teaming up to help protect owners of 4×4 vehicles from theft. More…

DERBYSHIRE OFFICERS GET RECOGNITION FROM No 10 -
2 Derbyshire officers are among those invited to 10 Downing St in recognition of the role they played during the disorder in England and Wales last August. More…

MARKET TRADER GOES BANANAS AT POLICE STATION -
One market stall has formed a productive relationship with a flagship scheme – Ozbox – run by Derbyshire police. More…

STONES ROLLING INTO CLAY CROSS -
Sergeant Aidan Stones is the new officer appointed to look after neighbourhood policing in Clay Cross. More…

APPEAL AFTER AGGRAVATED BURGLARY AT HEATH -
Derbyshire Police are appealing for information after a man and a woman were threatened and assaulted after 3 men got into their Derbyshire home. More…

QUESTIONS ON THE BEAT -
In what’s been termed a valuable exercise, local police have gone out on the streets to find out about residents’ concerns in South Chesterfield. More…

MAN JAILED AFTER POLICE TRACE
MOBILE
PHONE -
A man has been jailed for burglary after police traced a stolen mobile phone to his home. More…

999 IS FOR EMERGENCIES, NOT DUCKS AND COATS! -
Derbyshire police are reminding people of when they should call 999 and in what situations they should ring the 101 non-emergency number. More…

DERBYSHIRE POLICE AWARDED £64k TO TACKLE MOTORWAY CLOSURES -
Drivers across England are to benefit from shorter motorway closures due to crashes thanks to new 3D laser scanning tech funded Govt More…

POLICE HELICOPTER PROVES EFFECTIVE SERVICE LOCALLY -
Figures released this morning show that, countywide, police helicopter crews helped to find 214 crime suspects in Derbyshire this year. More…

POLICE ADVICE OVER UNWANTED XMAS PRESENTS -
Reading this wearing Aunty Mabel’s Xmas Jumper’ she’s knitted you and wondering what you can do with it once she’s left? This article’s for you! More…

DERBYSHIRE POLICE HOLD CHARTER FOR ANOTHER YEAR -
Derbyshire Constabulary is the only force in the country to hold the ‘Louder than Words’ charter and have just passed an assessment to keep it for another year. More…

RAILWAY POLICE OUT IN FORCE OVER CHRISTMAS -
As the festive season gets into full swing, rail staff and passengers will notice an increase in high-profile British Transport Police (BTP) patrols More…

POLICE APPEAL AFTER SEXUAL ASSAULT IN CHESTERFIELD -
Police are appealing for witnesses to an attempted sexual assault in the early hours of the morning, Sunday December 18th, in Chesterfield. More…

ON THE SPOT TREATMENT FOR LOCAL PARTY GOERS-
Police and paramedics once again team up to help keep Christmas revellers in Chesterfield safe and reduce unnecessary admissions to AE. More…

POLICE NAME DEAD CHESTERFIELD WOMAN -
Police have now named the woman who died after being assaulted in Chesterfield yesterday (Thursday December 15th) More…

DEAL WITH THE BIG FREEZE PROPERLY SAY POLICE -
Police have warned motorists to make sure they defrost their car windows thoroughly in freezing conditions. More…

DERBY DERBYSHIRE ROAD SAFETY PARTNERSHIP ALERT DRIVERS -
Motorists are being warned to take extra care on the roads as changing weather conditions make driving difficult. More…

CHESTERFIELD POLICE OFFICER AWARDED MBE -
A Derbyshire police officer who was made an MBE earlier this year in the Queen’s Birthday Honours has travelled to Buckingham Palace to collect his medal. More…

RIDERS URGED TO CARRY VITAL MEDICAL INFORMATION -
Derby and Derbyshire Road Safety Partnership is urging riders to carry a free card which they can use to record vital information about their medical history. More…

DO YOU KNOW THESE FACES? -
Police have released E-fit images of two men suspected of assaulting a woman in a Chesterfield pub. More…

MOTORISTS HIT BY ‘MISSILES’ IN CHESTERFIELD -
After similar serious incidents in Essex, Chesterfield Police are also appealing for witnesses after missiles were thrown at cars from a footbridge over a busy Chesterfield road. More…

DON’T DRINK DRIVE THIS CHRISTMAS -
We’ll all soon be getting into the Christmas Spirit but we’re being asked to remember that Drink driving wrecks lives More…

PREVENT CAR CRIME AS TEMPERATURE DROPS -
Police are advising motorists across Derbyshire not to leave their vehicles unattended while defrosting. More…

SPEED HOTSPOTS MONITORED BY RESIDENTS –
Community volunteers in Newbold have been helping police put the brakes on speeding motorists. More…

OPERATION ROCKY KNOCKS OUT CRIME -
Anti-social behaviour and serious acquisitive crime fell across North Derbyshire during a month long operation. More…

INFORMATION SOUGHT AFTER STAVELEY SHED BURGLARY -
Police in Staveley are appealing for information about a shed burglary in which two drills and a generator were stolen. More…

FRED THE DOG JOINS CHESTERFIELD DRUGS TEAM -
A specialist drugs dog joined police on patrol in Chesterfield this weekend as part of a clampdown on the possession and supply of drugs. More…

MAN ARRESTED FOR DRUGS OFFENCES -
A man has been arrested on suspicion of cultivating cannabis after police raided his home as part of an ongoing clampdown on drugs. More…

UNDER AGE SALES CLOSE 3 CLUBS -
3 Chesterfield nightclubs have vowed to work with police to clampdown on underage sales after they were caught selling alcohol to under 18′s twice in 2 weeks. More…

CRACKING CRIME IN NORTH WINGFIELD -
Residents are invited to pick up free security equipment and get the chance to quiz their local police officer at a ‘Cracking Crime’ event being held in North Wingfield. More…

BOBBIES SWAP MARKET TOWN FOR MOUNTAINS -
2 Chesterfield police officers are swapping walking the beat for trekking up one of the highest mountains in the world to raise money for charity. More…

NO EASY RIDE FOR THIEVES WARNING -
Police are urging delivery drivers not to give thieves an easy ride by leaving the keys in their vehicles, even for a few moments. More…

FAMILY DEVASTATED BY DISTRACTION BURGLARY DEATH -
The family of an elderly man who died following a distraction burglary at his home in Chesterfield have said they are devastated by what has happened. More…

BT POLICE APPEAL FOR HELP TO IDENTIFY WOMAN KILLED BY TRAIN -
British Transport Police is appealing for the public’s help to identify a woman killed after being struck by a train at Dronfield rail station. More…

POLICE RELEASE E-FIT OF MAN SUSPECTED OF EXPOSING HIMSELF -
Police have released an e-fit image of a man suspected of exposing himself to two women in the Brimington area of Chesterfield. More…

POLICE APPEAL FOR HELP OVER MISSING 13 YEAR OLD GIRL -
Derbyshire Police looking for a 13-year-old girl who has been missing for more than a week are now extending their search to other parts of the country.

 More…

POLICE INVESTIGATE AFTER BURGLARY VICTIM DIES -
Police are investigating the circumstances of a distraction burglary in Chesterfield after the elderly victim later died. More…

IS YOUR CAR SAFE? -
Almost 100 cars were found vulnerable to criminals by a police officer posing as a car thief as part of a campaign to clampdown on vehicle crime. More…

WOMAN SUSTAINS SERIOUS INJURY AFTER ASSAULT IN STAVELEY -
Police are appealing for witnesses to an assault on Chesterfield Road in Staveley that occurred at about 8pm yesterday, (Thursday 10th) More…

OPERATION ROCKY’S ‘FREE BEER’ STING NABS NINETEEN -
19 people suspected of committing crimes in Derbyshire have been arrested after being offered free beer by police as part of Operation Rocky. More…

POLICE APPEAL AFTER ATTEMPTED MARKET PLACE ROBBERY -
Police in Chesterfield are appealing for witnesses to an attempted robbery in the Market Place. More…

POLICE APPEAL FOR INFORMATION AFTER MAN EXPOSES HIMSELF -
Police are appealing for information after a man exposed himself to a woman walking along a footpath in Brimington, Chesterfield. More…

TEENAGER INJURED DURING ATTEMPTED METAL THEFT -
Derbyshire Police are warning would-be thieves of the dangers of metal theft after a teenager who attempted to steal copper cable attached to a pylon was electrocuted. More…

OPERATION SAFEDRIVE CATCHES UNSAFE DRIVERS -
Over 100 Chesterfield drivers were reminded to buckle up and keep their vehicles roadworthy as part of an operation to clampdown on unsafe driving. More…

OPERATION ROCKY CONTINUES TO KNOCK OUT CRIMINALS -
Police across Bolsover and N E Derbyshire have carried out 3 nights of cross-border patrols targeting travelling criminals. More…

NEW CAMERA HELPS COMBAT ANTI SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR -
A new CCTV camera has been installed in the Old Whittington area to help reduce anti-social behaviour and low-level crime. More…

FOUR ARRESTED ON COUNTERFEIT CASH CHARGES -
Chesterfield Police have arrested 4 people on suspicion of possessing counterfeit currency after they attempted to use fake notes in a supermarket. More…

SMASH N CARRY HARRY IS ON THE PROWL WITH POLICE -
A local bobby posing as a car thief will be going on the prowl across North Derbyshire to highlight insecurities More…

HAPPY HALLOWEEN – FOR EVERYONE -
Vulnerable residents who would rather keep trick or treaters at bay this Halloween are being offered a helping hand More…

POLICE APPEAL AFTER SEXUAL ASSAULT ON 15 YEAR OLD GIRL -
Police are appealing to the public for help to identify a man they suspect may have sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl in Clowne. More…

OPERATION ROCKY IS HITTING BACK AT CRIME -
Burglars, car thieves and those profiting from a life of crime are the targets of a new Derbyshire Constabulary campaign which gets under way this week. More…

MAN JAILED AFTER ROBBERY IN CHESTERFIELD -
A man has been jailed after his fingerprints were found on a toy gun used in an attempted robbery at a Chesterfield newsagent. More…

CLAMPDOWN ON UNSAFE DRIVERS -
A clampdown on unsafe driving on a busy, residential road in Chesterfield yesterday caught dozens of motorists committing driving offences More…

BROTHERS JAILED FOR CHESTERFIELD OFFENCES -
Two brothers have been jailed for a number of distraction burglaries and a burglary across the Chesterfield area. More…

MAN JAILED AFTER DNA LINK -
A Chesterfield man has been jailed after he admitted burglary and asked for four other offences to be taken into consideration. More…

CAST YOUR MIND BACK TO THE 70′S… -
Police in Chesterfield are trying to trace a woman who may be able to help them with an investigation into offences that happened in the early 1970s. More…

POLICE SEEK INFORMATION AFTER NIGHTCLUB INCIDENT -
Police officers in Chesterfield investigating an incident in Escapade nightclub are trying to trace a man who could help their inquiry. More…

CRIME FALLS ACROSS THE COUNTY -
There’s some good news locally today, as crime figures just released by the county’s police force show that crime is continuing to fall in Derbyshire. More…

POLICE APPEAL AFTER DIESEL THEFT -
Police appeal after the theft of diesel from the BT Exchange on Holland Rd, Old Whittington that occurred overnight Saturday October 8th and Sunday 9th. More…

MAN ARRESTED AFTER COCAINE FIND -
A man has been arrested after police raided a house in Brimington and found suspected cocaine. More…

MAN JAILED AFTER SHEEPBRIDGE DRUGS HAUL -
A man who grew more than 100 cannabis plants inside an industrial unit in Chesterfield has been jailed. More…

CAB DRIVER IN COURT FOR SMOKING IN HIS OWN CAB -
A hackney carriage driver who was caught smoking in his vehicle has been convicted of an offence of smoking in a smoke-free place. More…

OUR SURVEY SAID… -
A walkabout by police and council workers aimed at finding out about community issues in south Chesterfield has found more than 80% of residents were happy with work being done in the area. More…

MEN ARRESTED OVER LEAD THEFTS -
Two men have been arrested as part of Derbyshire Constabulary’s campaign to tackle metal thefts. More…

POLICE APPEAL TO IDENTIFY CYCLIST KILLED IN COLLISION -
Police are appealing for help in identifying a man who was killed in a road collision involving two motorbikes and a pedal cycle in Chesterfield. More…

2 MEN JAILED AFTER TEENS ROBBED IN DRONFIELD -
Two men who robbed a group of teenagers outside a shopping centre in Dronfield have been jailed. More…

SCHOOL KIDS CLEAN UP IN CHESTERFIELD -
A team of volunteers joined local police and council workers to carry out a clean-up in Chesterfield. More…

POLICE APPEAL AFTER STABBING IN NEW WHITTINGTON -
Detectives are appealing for information after a man was stabbed in the New Whittington area of Chesterfield. More…

POLICE CAUTION SHOPPERS AFTER THEFT -
Police in Chesterfield are reminding shoppers to be vigilant after a group asking for directions stole an elderly woman’s purse. More…

APPEAL TO HELP TRACE MURDER VICTIM’S MOVEMENTS-
Officers investigating the murder of Lee Hendry in Clowne are appealing for help as they try to trace her movements on the days before she died More…

NEW CRIME FORCE TAKES SHAPE ACROSS 5 COUNTIES -
Criminals in the East Midlands will feel five times the force with the creation of the country’s largest crime fighting alliances. More…

DERBYSHIRE POLICE LAUNCH PACK FOR MIGRANT WORKERS -
“We need to understand what they need from the Police so we can deliver our policing to meet their needs; if we don’t listen, we won’t know”. More…

POLICE APPEAL AFTER ASSAULT LEAVES MAN INJURED-
Police are appealing for witnesses to a disturbance at the Riverside Club, Hollis Lane, on Sunday August 28th. More…

DO YOU RECOGNISE THESE? -
Detectives in Chesterfield are appealing for information about a large amount of jewellery and other valuable items they have recovered. More…

POLICE OPERATION TO TARGET METAL THEFT BEGINS -
Derbyshire Police are launching an operation tomorrow, aimed at tackling ‘the growing problem’ of metal thefts throughout the county. More…

BANK HOLIDAY BURGLARIES INVESTIGATED BY POLICE -
Police are investigating three separate burglaries in Chesterfield during the Bank Holiday weekend. More…

BIKE THEFTS PROMPT SAFETY WARNING -
Residents are being reminded to keep their cycles securely locked away after a number of thefts across North East Derbyshire. More…

MAN JAILED AFTER HAMMER ATTACK -
A Chesterfield man has been jailed after pleading guilty to aggravated burglary and common assault. More…

DERBYSHIRE DRIVING SAFETY PARTNERSHIP COMPETITION ON FACEBOOK -
Derby and Derbyshire Road Safety Partnership reminder there’s still time to enter the Driving Standards Agency’s ‘Show Me, Tell Me’ competition on facebook. More…

DANGEROUS DRIVER JAILED FOR 16 MONTHS AFTER M1 CHAOS -
A man behind ‘one of the worst cases of dangerous driving Derbyshire has ever seen’ has been jailed for 16 months and disqualified from driving for 5 years. More…

CHESTERFIELD MUM IN WELSH TRAGEDY IS NAMED -
North West Wales Coroner’s Office has today confirmed that the inquest into the death of a Local mum who died whilst on holiday in Gwynedd has been opened and adjourned
More…

POLICE APPEAL AFTER CRIMINAL DAMAGE IN GRASSMOOR -
Police in Grassmoor are appealing for information after a spate of criminal damage over the weekend. More…

LOCAL WOMAN DIES IN WALES TENT TRAGEDY -
A woman from Chesterfield is believed to have died whilst on a campsite in North Wales. More…

POLICE THANK RESIDENTS AFTER ‘DIFFICULT WEEK’ -
Derbyshire Constabulary issue statement saying it would like to “thank the public for its support during a challenging week for policing”. More…

DERBYSHIRE POLICE UPDATE ON PUBLIC DISORDER -
Today’s update from Derbyshire Police regarding any disorder throughout the county shows a number of fires which occurred overnight in Derby are being investigated More…

ST MARY’S BUS CRASH DRIVER FACES COURT SENTENCE -
The driver of the TM Travel bus that crashed into a low bridge on 15th March has been sentenced at Chesterfield Magistrates Court. More…

POLICE APPEAL AFTER ASSAULT DURING PUB BURGLARY -
Police have launched an investigation after a man was assaulted during a pub burglary. More…

DERBYSHIRE POLICE DISORDER UPDATE -
A number of vehicles were damaged in part of Derby overnight but there were no significant issues elsewhere in the county. More…

DERBYSHIRE POLICE OFFICERS DEPLOYED TO LONDON -
In light of the disorder that has flared around the country over the last couple of days, Police in Derbyshire are today seeking to reassure local communities. More…

POLICE SEIZE MOTORBIKE FROM UNLICENSED RIDER -
Police have seized a motorbike from a nuisance rider from Staveley who had no insurance or licence. More…

14 YEAR OLD BOYS ASSAULTED AS MOBILE PHONES ARE STOLEN -
Police in Clay Cross are investigating two linked incidents that happened in the Tupton area of Chesterfield. More…

CLEANING UP THEIR ACT -
3 teenagers who covered a children’s play area in graffiti, and caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage have been made to clean up after themselves. More…

PAYING DEARLY FOR YOUR PETROL -
Police in Chesterfield are today reminding motorists to lock their cars when paying for petrol to prevent opportunist forecourt thieves. More…

POLICE GET TOUGH ON ROGUE BIKERS -
A bike seized by police in Clowne because its rider was using it anti-socially has been crushed. More…

PISTOL DISCOVERED DURING RAID ON CHESTERFIELD HOMES -
Police have seized a hand pistol and cannabis during raids at two Chesterfield houses. More…

CRIME IN DERBYSHIRE FALLS FOR 8TH YEAR RUNNING -
The Home Office published the annual crime figures for England and Wales for 2010-11 earlier today and they’re good news for Derbyshire More…

DRUG DEALER LOSES ASSETS AFTER SENTENCING -
A man jailed for 4-and-a-half years for possessing drugs with the intent to supply has now been stripped of more than £11,000. More…

JOINT CRIME OPERATION HAILED A SUCCESS -
Chesterfield police have teamed up with the Environment Agency and HMRC as part of an operation to tackle cross border crime. More…

POLICE APPEAL AFTER BIKE THEFTS -
Detectives are trying to trace two bikes worth thousands of pounds which were stolen from a cycle shop in Chesterfield. More…

MAN JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON GIRLS AS YOUNG AS NINE -
A man who sexually assaulted 3 young girls has been sentenced to a total of 26 months in prison and will be on the sexual offenders register for life. More…

MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU, IN ANY LANGUAGE -
Derbyshire police are holding a special online surgery for the county’s Polish community. More…

BELT UP KIDS… -
Recent research has shown that as many as a quarter of parents do not know how to fit their child’s car seat… More…

APPEAL AFTER ROBBERY IN ECKINGTON -
Police are appealing for witnesses to a robbery at a house in Eckington last night (Tuesday June 28th). More…

ON MANOEUVRES THIS WEEKEND -
Safe manoeuvring will be the hot topic at Derby and Derbyshire Road Safety Partnership’s motorcycle meet on Sunday 3rd July. More…

RIDER IN HOSPITAL AFTER GUNSHOT SPOOKS HORSE -
A woman rider was thrown from her horse and received hospital treatment after her horse was spooked by a gunshot. More…

OFF ROAD? OFF LIMITS! -
Derbyshire Police report that an operation to tackle nuisance bikes and off-road vehicles across the Staveley area has led to a 60 per cent reduction in calls More…

KEEP ROADS SAFE -
Derby and Derbyshire Road Safety Partnership is urging parents to make road safety a priority during Child Safety Week (June 20th – 26th). More…

SMARTER DRIVING = LOWER PREMIUMS FOR YOUNG DRIVERS -
Derby and Derbyshire Road Safety Partnership has today welcomed a rise in the number of ‘pay-how-you-drive’ insurance policies available. More…

CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN -
A group of Chesterfield cops have pounded a different beat this weekend, all in aid of seriously ill 7-year-old, Thomas Fletcher More…

NEGOTIATING CHESTERFIELD’S PARKING PROBLEMS -
Derbyshire police and the fire service staged a demonstration in the town centre to show the potential dangers of illegal parking around the Market Place. More…

PLEA TO MOTORISTS AFTER THEFTS FROM VEHICLES -
Police have issued a plea for motorists in NE Derbyshire to ensure their vehicles are secure when unattended and that valuables have been removed. More…

“ASK FOR ID” HOUSEHOLDERS WARNED -
Derbyshire police are reminding residents to ask for ID from door-to-door sellers and to be vigilant. More…

POLICE APPEAL AFTER FIRE IN BARROW HILL -
Police are appealing for information about a deliberate fire in woodland near Chesterfield. More…

WARNING AFTER JEWELLERY SCAM -
Police are warning people about a potential jewellery scam after two people in Chesterfield and Derby were targeted on the same day. More…

TWO BRIMINGTON CANNABIS ARRESTS -
2 people have been arrested on suspicion of possessing cannabis with intent to supply after police smelt the drug during routine visit. More…

WARM WEATHER A STEAL WARN POLICE -
Police in Brimington are targeting homes left insecure to sneak-in burglars during the summer months. More…

MAN JAILED INDEFINITELY AFTER FARM BURGLARY -
A man has been jailed indefinitely for aggravated burglary after a glove found at the scene by a police dog linked him to the crime. More…

ON YER BIKES -
Police in Killamarsh are offering free bicycle security marking and will be handing out number plate screws as part of a safety event. More…

SENIOR POLICE HONOURED BY QUEEN IN HONOURS LIST -
3 senior Police officers from Derbyshire have been honoured in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list. More…

FAMILY FUN AT TUPTON -
Residents in Tupton and the surrounding villages are invited a football tournament and family fun day organised by their local police. More…

PARTNERSHIP WELCOMES CRACKDOWN ON UNINSURED DRIVERS -
Local road safety campaigners are welcoming a new law that will make it easier to tackle drivers who don’t have insurance. More…

CROSS BORDER OPERATIONS PROMPTS ARRESTS -
Police have arrested 3 men and seized 2 cars as part of an operation to tackle cross border crime between Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. More…

2 MEN ROBBED IN BOLSOVER -
The men, who were walking up Cundy Road around 11.30 pm on Monday 6th June after getting off a bus from Chesterfield… More…

NEW HOME FOR BOLSOVER POLICE -
Police in Bolsover are moving from the police station to a new base within Bolsover District Council Offices in Sherwood Lodge on Oxcroft Lane. More…

ARRESTS MADE AFTER ALLEGED PUB BURGLARY -
Three suspects have been arrested after a pub in Chesterfield was reportedly burgled yesterday (Monday, June 6th). More…

ALCOHOL TAKEN FROM TEENS IN POLICE CRACKDOWN -
Police have confiscated alcohol from youngsters as part of a crackdown on underage drinking in Chesterfield. More..

PUB HAS LICENCE REVOKED AFTER COMPLAINTS -
A Dunston pub has had its licence suspended today for 3 months after a catalogue of offences and complaints to police during May More…

PROPERTY TARGETED IN ONE NIGHT CRIME SPREE -
Chesterfield Police are appealing for witnesses after 2 incidents that saw property vandalised and graffiti sprayed. More…

WRITING’S ON THE WALL FOR GRAFFITI VANDALS -
Police in Brimington are appealing for witnesses after a Chesterfield underpass was covered in graffiti. More…

MAN ARRESTED AFTER CALOW FIRES -
Police yesterday (June 1st) arrested an 18-year old man in connection with a spate of deliberate fires in the Calow area. More…

MOTORCYCLE MEET IN MATLOCK BATH -
If you’re a biker and you’re likely to be out on the roads of Derbyshire this summer, then you’re invited to a meet on Sunday 5th June. More…

POLICE WARNING AFTER MISSILES THROWN FROM BRIDGE -
Police in Chesterfield are appealing for witnesses after a number of missiles were thrown at cars from a bridge over the A617. More…

CHESTERFIELD CUBS BOX CLEVER -
Cubs in Chesterfield are fighting fit after taking part in Derbyshire Constabulary’s Ozbox. More…

BE VIGILANT AS SCRAP METAL THEFTS RISE -
Police are reminding residents to be vigilant after a number of thefts of garden gates for their scrap metal value. More…

PERILS OF PICKPOCKETS POSTERS -
Posters highlighting the dangers of pickpockets are being put up around Chesterfield town centre to help prevent shoppers falling victim to retail crime. More…

MOTORBIKES SEIZED IN POLICE CLAMPDOWN -
A number of off-road motorcycles have been seized as part of a clampdown on the illegal use of motorbikes in the Chesterfield area. More…

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN PLAY? -
Police in the Clay Cross area are looking for footy mad youngsters to take part in an inter-village football tournament. More…

IS YOUR HELMET UP TO THE JOB? -
The publication of more than 20 new helmet safety ratings for motorcyclists has been welcomed by Derby and Derbyshire Road Safety Partnership. More…

HELLO, HELLO, HELLO
Police in Chesterfield are running surgeries for business owners at a local industrial estate. More…

NEWBOLD MAN CAUTIONED AFTER ELECTRICITY CRIME -
A 31-year-old man from Newbold who admitted abstracting electricity has been cautioned by Police. More…

MINI – MOTORBIKES SEIZED BY POLICE -
Police in Staveley have seized two mini-motorbikes as part of an ongoing clampdown on their use across the area. More…

POLICE APPEAL AFTER ALLOTMENT BREAK IN -
Police in Clay Cross are appealing for information after thieves broke into an allotment site and stole a generator. More…

MAN JAILED AFTER HOSPITAL BREAK IN -
A man has been jailed after admitting breaking into workers’ accommodation at Chesterfield Hospital. More…

21 NEW SPECIALS FOR DERBYSHIRE POLICE -
We’re now proud to report that 21 new Special Constables have been sworn in at an attestation ceremony at Derbyshire Police HQ More…

CROMFORD MURDER TO FEATURE IN TV SPECIAL -
One of the most difficult murder cases solved by Derbyshire police in recent years is to feature in a special episode of Crimewatch. More…

SHED SAFETY CHECK -
Police in a North East Derbyshire village are visiting local allotments, community centres and schools to remind people about shed security. More…

DAY OF ACTION HAILED A SUCCESS -
During a ‘Day of Action’ held in Chesterfield last Friday, police seized two cars and issued several fines to drivers. More…

VANDALS TRAIL OF DESTRUCTION -
Police in Chesterfield have appealed for witnesses after vandals left a trail of graffiti in the Dunston area on Monday night. More…

SMARTPHONE APP AIMS TO KEEP BIKERS SAFE -
Derby Derbyshire Road Safety Partnership has contributed route information to a new smartphone app designed to cut road deaths and injuries amongst motorcyclists.More…

MISSING MAN SOUGHT BY POLICE -
Police are searching for a man and child who have gone missing from a campsite at Alderwasley. More…

MAN JAILED AFTER DRUGS OFFENCES -
A Chesterfield man has been jailed after pleading guilty to a trio of drugs offences. More…

DO YOU RECOGNISE THIS MAN? -
An E-fit has been released by Derbyshire police after a man indecently exposed himself to two 19-year-old women. More…

WATCH OUT – THERE’S SUNSHINE ABOUT -
With the lighter nights and warmer weather upon us, Police are delivering letters reminding residents about crime prevention. More…

STAY SAFE AND ALIVE ON DERBYSHIRE ROADS THIS SUMMER -
That’s the message Derby and Derbyshire Road Safety Partnership is sending to bikers at the start of this year’s leisure riding season. More…

THE WRITINGS ON THE WALL FOR DRONFIELD TEENAGER -
After a graffiti campaign that resulted in more than £5,000 of damage being caused to property in Dronfield, a teenager has been charged and now faces court. More…

REWARDED BY POLICE FOR GOOD BEHAVIOUR -
21 Newbold youngsters have taken in their favourite activities this week as a reward from their local police for their continued excellent behaviour. More…

POLICE WARN SPEED CAMERA VANDALS -
Police are today warning drivers not to tamper with Speed Cameras and anyone who tries to destroy the units risks serious injury and even death. More…

WATCH OUT IN WARMER WEATHER -
We all enjoy the warmer weather but police have issued warnings after an elderly couple’s house was burgled while they were in the garden. More…

DRUGS RAIDS ON HOUSES IN CHESTERFIELD -
As part of an ongoing clampdown on drugs in Chesterfield, police in Chesterfield have carried out warrants on 3 houses in one day. More…

ARRESTS AFTER DRUGS RAID IN BOLSOVER -
2 men were arrested and suspected cannabis plants seized by police after a drug warrant was carried out at a house in Bolsover. More…

MAN FINED FOR DUMPING WASTE -
A man who dumped rubbish in NE Derbyshire after advertising an illegal waste disposal service on the internet has been hit with a £400 fine. More…

BIKERS WARNED OF THEFTS IN THE AREA -
Police in Calow are asking bikers to ensure their vehicles are secure at all times following a number of motorcycle thefts in the area More…

BODY FOUND AS POLICE SEARCH FOR MISSING MAN -
Police and Mountain Rescue volunteers who have been searching for a missing man say that they have found a body in woods in Hardwick Hall Park. More…

CONCERNS OVER ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR IN HASLAND -
Anti-social behaviour has come out top of residents concerns after a crime busting team went out on the streets in Hasland. More…

CRIME DOESN’T PAY -
The Proceeds of Crime Act is designed to give police the power to take offenders to court and seize cash and assets made from committing crimes. More…

DEATHS ON DERBYSHIRE ROADS DOWN 30% -
Mike Ashworth said: “By working together, we’ve helped reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries from 566 in ’09 to 410 in ’10. More…

NEW TOP POLICEMAN FOR STAVELEY -
Staveley has a new sergeant, Lee Welsby, in charge of policing across the town. More…

POLICE SEEK GOOD SAMARITAN -
Police are asking a member of the public who came to the aid of an injured Special Constable to come forward. More…

NUMBER PLATE THEFT WARNING -
The local Police ‘C’ Division are advising car owners to think about security devices to prevent number plate theft. More…

POLICE WARN SHOPPERS AFTER BAG THEFT -
Police in Dronfield are today reminding shoppers to be vigilant after a woman’s bag was stolen from her trolley in a local supermarket. More…

PHONE THEFT FROM AMBULANCE -
Police in Clay Cross are appealing for information after thieves stole a mobile phone from inside an ambulance. More…

TIPPER TRUCK THEFT -
Police are appealing for information after a man stole a tipper truck and drove it into several cars and garden walls. More…

FALL IN CRIME RATES FOR 8th YEAR -
Crime in Derbyshire has fallen for the 8th year in a row according to figures released today. More…

POLICE WARNING AFTER ATTEMPTED BURGLARIES -
Police in Grassmoor are reminding residents to be vigilant after 4 attempted burglaries in the village in one night. More…

POLICE TACKLE EGG-THROWING NUISANCE -
Police in Clowne are clamping down on vandals throwing eggs at village homes after receiving a series of calls about the problem in recent weeks. More…

MAN JAILED AFTER DRUGS FIND -
A man has been jailed after drugs were found in his underwear by hospital staff following a car crash. More…

ACCESS ONLY WARNING -
Police warn drivers that their numbers will be taken and may be fined if they continue to use access only roads near Chesterfield town centre. More…

ATM USERS URGED TO BE VIGILANT -
Police in Chesterfield are advising people to take extra care when withdrawing money from cashpoints to stop them becoming the victim of thieves. More…

FOCUS ON SAFETY -
After seeing motorcycles crashes fall by 40% last year, police are now hoping to prevent more countryside crashes involving motorcyclists More…

SHED THEFTS PROMPT WARNING -
Residents in Staveley are being warned to be vigilant after a spate of thefts from sheds and garages. More…

DRUGS RAIDS IN BOLSOVER -
Police in Bolsover have seized more than 70 suspected cannabis plants in the last week. More…

AN ARRESTING SIGHT FOR SCHOOL STAFF -
Staff turning up for work at one North East Derbyshire School had to pay for the privilege this morning. More…

PUB LANDLORD JAILED FOR DRUG OFFENCES -
A pub landlord has been jailed for 18 months after police found cannabis plants and growing equipment at the pub he was running. More…

DO YOU KNOW DERBYSHIRE’S ‘BOBBY OF THE YEAR’ ? -
Do you know the Best Bobby On The Beat? Does your local officer have the confidence of the community? If so, then Chief Constable, Mick Creedon,would like to know about it. More…

POLICE SEEK INFORMATION ON MISSING CHESTERFIELD MAN -
Police say they are becoming increasingly concerned for the safety of a Chesterfield man, missing from his home on March 9th. More…

TWO ARRESTED AFTER RAID ON CLAY CROSS HOUSE -
Two people have been arrested after police found suspected drugs during a warrant in Clay Cross. More…

DO YOU RECOGNISE THIS MAN? -
An elderly woman who fought off a burglar in her home has now helped police create an E-fit of the suspect More…

POLICE APPEAL AFTER ASSAULTS IN CHESTERFIELD -
The first incident at Escapade on Cavendish St at 1.30am on Feb 19th was a 19-year-old local man allegedly racially abused and punched twice in the face. More…

TAXI CHECK GIVES CAUSE FOR CONCERN-
ONE night of spot checks by police on black cabs and private hire taxis in Chesterfield revealed some worrying statistics, with almost two thirds of drivers found to be flouting the law. More…

CCTV CATCHES MAN IN DRUG DEAL -
A Chesterfield man has been jailed for supplying heroin after being seen on CCTV in the town centre dealing drugs. More…

‘VIRTUAL SURGERY’ FOR ABUSE SUFFERERS IN CHESTERFIELD -
Anyone suffering from Domestic abuse can now log on and talk anonymously to police officers as part of a ‘virtual surgery’ initiative. More…

MIND HOW YOU GO -
Now, if you’ve ever thought that policeman are getting younger these days, you may not be far wrong in some places in the area. More…

NEW FEET ON THE STREET -
There’s a new face on the beat around town this week, as a new Sergeant is appointed to look after neighbourhood policing in south Chesterfield. More…

WORKING FOR THE LOCAL COMMUNITY -
Police say that calls about nuisance behaviour have dropped ‘dramatically’ just one month after a dispersal order was granted in Pilsley. More…

ATTEMPTED ROBBERY IN BOLSOVER -
Police are appealing for witnesses after an attempted robbery on Mansfield Road, Bolsover at 6.30pm on Wednesday February 16th. More…

CRACKING CRIME EVENTS -
Residents are invited to pick up free security equipment – and quiz their local police officer – at 2 ‘Cracking Crime’ events being held in Barlow and Calow. More…

WARNINGS AFTER BREAK-INS IN CLAY CROSS -
Residents are being reminded by police to be more security conscious after a burglary and an attempted break-in in the Danesmoor area. More…

MAN WANTED BY POLICE AFTER ALLEGED ASSAULT -
Police have today released an image of a man suspected of carrying out a sexual assault in Chesterfield. More…

DON’T FAKE IT -
Don’t waste your time and money ordering these fake ID cards because you will be caught out and face the consequences. More…

HALF-TERM HEROES -
It’s half term and if you’re wondering to do with your kids this week, it’s worth knowing that a series of activities for youngsters in Chesterfield have been organised by local police officers. More…

WARNING TO CHESTERFIELD MOTORISTS -
A warning today from Police in Chesterfield that they are clamping down on motorists using pedestrian areas in the town centre. More…

61 YEAR OLD IS GIVEN AN ASBO -
A 61 year old man has been given an ASBO after neighbours made complaints to both police and Neighbours More…

POLICE SEEK METAL THIEVES -
Police in Chesterfield are appealing for witnesses after several thousand pounds worth of titanium was stolen from an industrial unit at Sheepbridge. More…

EVERY DAY IS DIFFERENT -
Do you have what it takes to be Special? That’s what Derbyshire Constabulary are asking as they try to recruit more Special Constables More…

MAN ARRESTED AFTER RAID -
A man has been arrested after seven suspected cannabis plants were seized from a house in Chesterfield. More…

DRIVERS URGED TO BELT UP -
More than 50 drivers in NE Derbys were cautioned or fined after being caught without their seat belt on in the latest community police clampdown on dangerous driving. More…

RURAL CRIME TARGETED BY POLICE-
Rural crime is being targeted by Derbyshire Police as they join with four other forces to mount an operation targeting crime against farmers and land owners. More…

SEXUAL ASSAULT IN SHIREBROOK -
Police are appealing for witnesses after a sexual assault took place near Long Lane, Shirebrook. More…

KNOCK, KNOCK. WHO’S THERE? -
3 Distraction attempts have recently taken place in Chesterfield Police confirmed today, all on the same day, Friday, Jan 28th and all involving elderly people. More…

FATAL CAR CRASH – POLICE SEEK WITNESSES -
Police are seeking witnesses after an early hours fatal collision this morning on the A632 between Chesterfield and Matlock. More…

ARMED ROBBERY TAKES PLACE NEAR CHESTERFIELD -
At approx 7.45pm on Friday Jan 28th, a man entered the bookmakers on Elmton Rd in Creswell and threatened staff with what appeared to be a shotgun. More…

CAN YOU IDENTIFY THIS JEWELLERY? -
Pictures, released by Police, of jewellery worth over £27,000, believed to have been stolen from 1 of 4 Counties including Derbyshire. More…

YOUNGSTERS WARNED OVER ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR -
Police are warning youngsters in a Chesterfield village that any anti social behaviour will be not be tolerated. More…

WARNING TO LOCAL RESIDENTS -
Police are advising residents in a Chesterfield village to be vigilant after 2 suspicious incidents occurred in the last week. More…

MAN ATTEMPTS TO STEAL NECKLACE FROM WOMAN -
Police are appealing for information after an attempted theft from a woman in Chesterfield on Tuesday Jan 18th. More…

CRIME BUSTERS TACKLE LOCAL CONCERNS -
Litter, dog fouling and rowdy behaviour were amongst concerns highlighted after a crime-busting group took to the local streets More…

CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN -
Police Officers from Chesterfield will soon be marching up mountains rather than pounding the beat after being inspired by the bravery of a 7 year old chronically ill boy from Walton. More…

ALIEN OPERATION A SUCCESS -
A 3-night operation, aimed at tackling acquisitive crime in the South of Chesterfield, has led to the prevention of a burglary and a man and teenager being arrested. More…

POLICE HUNT CAR VANDALS -
Police in Chesterfield are urging vigilance as they appeal for information regarding a spate of car vandalism on Boythorpe Avenue. More…

ASBO FOR CHESTERFIELD MAN WHO STOLE FROM CARS -
An Anti-Social Behaviour Order has been issued against a man after he admitted stealing from a car in Chesterfield. More…

POLICE APPEAL AFTER CRIMINAL OF-FENCES -
Chesterfield Police are appealing for information after a car and two garden fences in Walton were damaged on the same night. More…

POLES APART -
For one of their more unusual cases, today Police are appealing for witnesses after more than a hundred aluminium flag poles and bases were stolen in Staveley. More…

MOTORBIKE CRASH RATE DROPS -
Recently released figures show that there has been a huge drop in the number of motorcyclists killed or badly hurt on roads in Derbyshire. More…

WITNESS APPEAL AFTER SERIOUS ASSAULT -
Chesterfield Police are appealing for witnesses after a man suffered a serious assault on Chatsworth Road More…

POLICE APPEAL FOR HELP -
Police in Chesterfield are appealing for witnesses to two distraction burglary incidents that occurred on Wednesday Dec 29th. More…

POLICE APPEAL AFTER FATAL CRASH -
Sergeant Jim Allen, from Derbyshire Police’s Collison Investigation Unit, appeals for witnesses to a fatal road crash that happened a week ago today. More…

‘NO MESSIN’ BY POLICE GETS RESULTS -
A football project organised by police to prevent anti-social behaviour in the Clay Cross area has been declared such a success that further funding has been agreed More…

18 YEAR OLD CHESTERFIELD MAN CHARGED WITH MURDER -
A teenager will appear in court in Chesterfield today following the death of a 40 year old man in NE Derbyshire. More…

MAN ROBBED IN HIS OWN HOME -
Police are appealing for witnesses after a 76-year-old man was robbed in his home on Oakley Avenue. More…

POLICE PARAMEDICS TO KEEP REVELLERS SAFE -
This Christmas, Police and paramedics have teamed up to help partygoers in Chesterfield enjoy their nights out safely and reduce unnecessary admissions to AE. More…

WARNINGS ABOUT PUBLIC DRINKING THIS XMAS -
Partygoers in the Town Centre this Christmas are being warned by Chesterfield Police that anyone caught drinking alcohol in a public place will be fined. More…

BLUE SKY THINKING -
It’s been a busy year for the Police helicopter according to figures released by Derbyshire Police today. More…

DRUGS ARREST IN CLAY CROSS -
A Chesterfield man has been charged with possession of cannabis after a drugs warrant was executed at a house in Clay Cross yesterday More…

POLICE ASK FOR WITNESSES -
Police in Chesterfield are appealing for witnesses following a distraction burglary at a motorbike showroom in Chesterfield. More…

(UNDER) AGE CONCERN -
Half of the pubs tested in a recent operation targeting underage alcohol sales sold alcohol to people under 18. More…

POLICE APPEAL FOR HELP AFTER ROBBERIES -
Police in Chesterfield and Dronfield are investigating two robberies that happened yesterday More…

DERBYSHIRE POLICE FACE BUDGET CUTS -
It’s been announced today that, as part of Government cuts, Derbyshire Police’s Government income will reduce by 3.8% for 2011/12. More…

DRUGS ARRESTS AFTER CONCERNS RAISED -
Officers have carried out 2 warrants in Grangewood and Boythorpe, arresting 3 and seizing drugs from 2 properties. More…

WARNING AFTER ICE AND SNOW THROWN FROM BRIDGE -
Snow and ice balls thrown from a bridge over the M1 have damaged a number of cars. More…

APPEAL FOR WITNESSES -
Police are appealing for witnesses after a 34 old male was the subject of an alleged assault in Old Whittington. More…

APPEAL FOR INFORMATION -
Chesterfield Police are appealing for information after a large air conditioning unit was stolen from an industrial estate. More…

CRIME, CRIME,
GO AWAY -
A crime-busting group set up to tackle problems in the St Augustine’s area of Chesterfield has proved to be so successful that it is now expanding. More…

MIND HOW YOU GO -
Police in Clay Cross are tonight warning drivers to take care on rural roads after a number of lorries became stuck in the area. More…

SNOW PATROL -
As the bad weather continues, police and council rangers in Bolsover have joined forces to provide reassurance for vulnerable members of the community in vehicles more suited to the wintry conditions. More…

SKATING ON THIN ICE -
Police have today issued safety warnings about frozen lakes and ponds after a woman in her 30′s died after falling into a frozen pond in Yorkshire yesterday. More…

BE PREPARED FOR WINTER WEATHER -
With forecasters predicting that wintry weather conditions may hit our region over the weekend, motorists are being offered advice by Derby and Derbyshire Road Safety Partnership. More…

MAN JAILED FOR 5 YEARS AFTER DRUG FIND -
A 52-year-old Chesterfield man has been jailed for more than five years after being caught with almost half a kilogram of heroin in his possession More…

MAN JAILED FOR ATTEMPTED CASH POINT ROBBERY -
A Chesterfield man has been jailed after attempting to rob a pensioner at a cash point. More…

LICENSE SUSPENSION FOR CHESTERFIELD PUB -
A Chesterfield pub has had it’s license suspended for 28 days after being repeatedly found to be selling alcohol to underage drinkers. More…

3 ‘DISTRACTION’ BURGLARIES TAKE PLACE IN CHESTERFIELD -
Police are investigating after three distraction burglaries in Chesterfield took place on Tuesday 23rd in Hasland. More…

JOINING FORCES TO TACKLE THEFT AND CAR CRIME -
As part of an operation to tackle car, scrap metal and diesel thefts, Officers from Derbys and Notts stopped and checked dozens of vehicles travelling along the border More…

THEFTS FROM WAR MEMORIAL STUNS COMMUNITY -
A War Memorial Plaque was stolen from the gates of a Church, just days after Remembrance Sunday. More…

POLICE APPEAL AFTER CAR DAMAGE -
Police are appealing for information after a number of cars were vandalised in two separate incidents in Chesterfield.
 More…

WARNINGS ABOUT ‘LEGAL HIGHS’ IN CHESTERFIELD -
Police in Chesterfield are warning people of the dangers of so-called ‘legal highs’ after officers executed a drugs warrant at a business in Chesterfield More…

APPEAL FOR HELP ON BURGLARIES -
Officers investigating a series of burglaries targeting elderly residents in Chesterfield are appealing for information about the break-ins. More…

LAST ORDERS FOR UNDERAGE DRINKING -
The North East Derbyshire’s Safe Secure and Responsible campaign is helping to raise awareness of responsible drinking, safe sex and anti-social behaviour amongst teenagers. More…

TEEN VANDALS FINED AND MADE TO APOLOGISE -
Nine teenagers who smashed a woman’s front window using potatoes and bars of soap have been made to pay £1,000 and write letters of apology to the victim. More…

APPEAL AFTER CARS DAMAGED ON CHESTERFIELD STREET -
Derbyshire Police have issued an appeal for information after ten cars were badly scratched along Rothervale Road in Chesterfield More…

CRACK DOWN ON NUISANCE BEHAVIOUR IN CHESTERFIELD -
As part of patrols carried out over the last two weeks aimed at tackling anti social behaviour and underage drinking, More…

KEEP SAFE WHILST YOU SHOP -
After several purse thefts in the Market Place, more than 100 purse chains were handed out earlier this week as part of an awareness day to crack down on pickpockets. More…

CHESTERFIELD POLICE HUNT FOR RACIST VANDALS -
Police are appealing for information after vandals sprayed racist graffiti outside Hasland Medical Centre. More…

JOINING FORCES TO TACKLE TRUANCY -
This week saw a Chesterfield school and local police Officers teaming up to tackle and highlight the problem of truancy and non-attendance. More…

SHOPKEEPERS CAUGHT OUT IN UNDER-AGE SALES TEST -
Over half the pubs and clubs tested in an undercover operation in Staveley and Chesterfield were found to be selling alcohol to under 18′s. More…

9th ANNUAL ‘MAPPA’ REPORT PUBLISHED -
The report highlights the work undertaken via Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) to protect individuals and communities from risks posed by dangerous offenders. More…

LIGHT UP AND KEEP YOUR HOME SAFE -
“Your house was left in darkness – if we noticed, a burglar would!” That’s the message on cards being left by officials from NE Derbyshire CounciL More…

MISSING PERSON APPEAL -
Police are appealing for help to try to trace Calow man Jason Walters, 38, missing since Wednesday October 20th. More…

DRIVERS BREATHALYSED TO HIGHLIGHT DRINK-DRIVE DANGERS -
Drink-driving is a serious offence and drivers need to be aware of the very real consequences of their actions. More…

CRACKDOWN ON ENVIRONMENTAL CRIME IN
NE DERBYSHIRE -
In a new initiative, NE Derbyshre District Council and Derbyshire police have joined forces in order to tackle ‘enviro-crimes’. More…

INFORMATION SOUGHT AFTER CENOTAPH THEFTS -
Derbyshire Police are appealing for information after four plaques were stolen from a war memorial in Ridgeway More…

Article source: http://www.chesterfieldpost.co.uk/public_services/police_news/police_00000383.html

A PROJECT to support young people in the Carrick who have dropped out of education because their lives have been affected by domestic violence has received a major financial boost.

Women’s Aid has been awarded £499,997 from the Big Lottery Fund’s ‘Reaching out: Empowering Young People’ programme to run training, tutoring sessions and mentoring support at centres in Antrim, Ballymena, Carrick, Larne and Newtownabbey.

“Living in a home where there is violence has a huge impact on a young person’s education,” said area manager Rosemary Magill. “Often children are kept at home in order to protect their mother, or the mum is not able to walk them to school because she has been hurt, so they end up missing lots of school or dropping out.

“This project is about improving the opportunities of young people in the Antrim area and across Northern Ireland, opportunities which have been taken from them because they have had to deal with the threat of domestic violence.

“They may need after school or homework support, or tutoring on specific classes and we will support mums so they can help their children with their homework too.”

The programme will also help young people explore their feelings about things like domestic violence and bullying and raise awareness of healthy, non-violent relationships.

Frank Hewitt, Big Lottery Fund NI Chair, said: “The programme is supporting a range of vital projects that are transforming the lives of isolated young people in our communities who are at risk of crime or have dropped out of school, are not in education or employment, or are living with disabilities or the impact of violence. Our funding is supporting those young people who need our help the most.”

To find out more about the Reaching Out programmes visit www.biglotteryfund.org.uk

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Article source: http://www.carrickfergustimes.co.uk/news/0-5m-to-improve-opportunites-for-young-people-affected-by-domestic-violence-1-3847704

Glover fixes me with tired eyes as we sit in an upstairs room of the Crossroads Women’s Centre in London’s Kentish Town on a rainy Saturday afternoon. He has just flown in from the US and the same evening will give a speech at the centre during a fundraiser for the Haiti Emergency Relief Fund.

In the years since Aristide was ousted, Haiti has suffered floods, mud-slides, hurricanes, an earthquake in 2010 that killed tens of thousands, followed by a cholera outbreak that killed nearly 6,000. Infrastructure has collapsed, gang violence remains rife and the UN has described the human rights situation as “catastrophic”.

“When I talk about Haiti, it breaks my heart,” says Glover. “Yet when I think about the Haitian people’s resilience, it heals my heart at the same time.”

This is Glover’s great theme and his deepest conviction: that there is something special and indomitable about the Haitian people. “You’ve got to know your history,” says Glover. “The great American abolitionist Frederick Douglass said the Haitian revolution was the first victory against the worldwide system of slavery. Not Wilberforce. Wilberforce may have understood that, in an emerging capitalist society, slavery had gone through its evolutionary purpose, but it was the Haitians who struck the first blow.

“I know that blood runs through them from that time. And since the moment they organised that revolution, they have been defecated on, they’ve been undermined, yet they keep organising. And you look in their faces and they could well have been the faces that stood facing Napoleon’s army.”

Glover found out about the 1791-1804 Haitian revolution led by Toussaint L’Ouverture in the early 1970s when he read The Black Jacobins by CLR James, the Trinidadian socialist historian (and sometime Manchester Guardian cricket correspondent). By that time, Glover was already a protest veteran who, as a member of the black students’ union at San Francisco State University, had participated in a five-month strike to establish a black studies department. But it made an enormous impact on him.

For more than 30 years, Glover has been trying to make a biopic about the leader of the Haitian revolution. True, the story of L’Ouverture has been told before, notably in a play by CLR James that was staged in London’s West End in 1936 starring Paul Robeson, and more recently in a French TV series starring Haitian actor Jimmy Jean-Louis. But Glover believes his treatment will be the first to “have the epic scale these events require”.

But when will we see this directorial debut? In 2006, Glover assembled a cast including Wesley Snipes, Angela Bassett, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Mos Def, and planned to shoot his film in South Africa and Venezuela, thanks to $18m (£11m) from one of Glover’s heroes, Venezuelan president Hugo Chávez. Six years on, filming has not started. “We’ll get the film done,” says Glover. “We came so close so many times, you could almost taste it, man. We came that close and we’re going to do it.”

Why is the project so important to him? “Imagine a revolt where all those people who were enslaved and dispossessed in Africa, America and round the world, heard what had happened? You imagine what that meant to them?”

Glover met Aristide in 1992 when the former Catholic priest was ousted as president for the first time. Shortly after that coup, Glover was flying to Oakland to attend a rally for him. “I still had my makeup on when I got to my seat on the flight at Burbank airport. I look over to my right and there he is. I said: ‘President Aristide! I’m going to a rally for you!’ He always says: ‘The look on your face when you saw me.’ He’s been my brother and friend since that moment.”

What about Aristide’s alleged human rights abuses and corruption? “He’s a human being – none of us is perfect. But whatever he has done, he has never done with the intention of harming his people. He built more schools than at any time since the revolution; he improved healthcare. Each time he’s come back, he’s put his life in danger. He could have stayed in exile.”

But, to the disappointment of many – including Barack Obama – Aristide didn’t. Last year, Glover flew with Aristide from South African exile to Port-au-Prince. “It’s shameful the South Africans may have worked with US and France to stop him returning,” says Glover. When they arrived at Port-au-Prince, Glover was in Aristide’s car as they drove from the airport. “That car could only move as fast as people around allowed it. That was one of the most moving things in my life. That’s one story I’m going to tell my grandson.”

Does his country’s stance on Haiti outrage him? “A great deal of US policy is centred around exclusion and destabilisation. You take the largest party out of the process [Aristide's Fanmi Lavalas] – what kind of an election is that? We have a very interesting dilemma in Haiti at the moment. The current president Martelly was the choice of the state department and France and Canada, but if you’d had a free election, he would never have been elected.”

How does he feel now about the US’s first black president whose 2008 candidacy he endorsed? Glover laughs. “I’m not into personality worship. It’s essential that you clearly denounce those things you disagree with. Everything he has done in terms of war, I’m opposed to. How much of that is him following the line and how much his own thought processes, we don’t know. The bottom line is I think he’s a good man.”

Glover recalls that in 2002 or 2003, as a member of the board of the Algebra Project, a US scheme to improve maths skills among disasdvantaged children, he took part in a discussion on the future of education in Chicago. “A young state senator walked in and got involved in the discussion. I have to believe he’d come there because of a sincere desire to learn more and do something about that. He hasn’t delivered. We’re still waiting.”

Glover and I are sharing a sofa in an upstairs room. Below there’s a conference going on called Invest in Caring Not Capitalism: The Wages for Housework Campaign 40 Years On. It’s been organised by a group called Global Women’s Strike, one of whose leading members is Selma James, women’s rights campaigner and CLR James’s widow, who is promoting her new book Sex, Race and Class – the Perspective of Winning: A Selection of Writings 1952-2011.

Glover, despite his gender, feels at home. “Like Selma was saying, I’m into building caring as opposed to capitalism.” The world knows Glover as Detective Roger Murtaugh in the Lethal Weapon film franchise, as the brutish husband Albert Johnson in The Color Purple, as maverick alien-battling narcotics cop Michael Harrigan in Predator 2, as the laughably impotent US president in the eco-disaster movie 2012 and as Nelson Mandela in the TV movie. He’s just about to start work on Stephen Frears’ HBO film about Muhammad Ali’s refusal to fight in Vietnam in which he will play Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American US supreme court judge.

But it also knows him as an actor who has said “hey” to radical political intervention activism more times than Angelina Jolie, George Clooney, Mark Ruffalo and Sean Penn combined. He’s regularly on picket lines, campaigning for prisoners, speaking against US militarism and giving talks at Occupy protests. In 2004, he was arrested outside the Sudanese embassy in Washington during a protest about Darfur. In 2010, he called on all actors at the 2010 Academy awards to boycott Hugo Boss in support of a pay dispute. He’s been an ambassador for Unicef, fought against apartheid through a campaign group called the TransAfrica Forum and sits on the boards of several groups, including The Black Aids Institute and the Jazz Foundation of America.

At 65, he could readily spend weekends dozing poolside in California rather than busting his hump at a fundraiser in this rain-soaked dime of a country. Where did that enduring political commitment come from? Glover locates it in January 1959 when he witnessed how his parents, Carrie and James, both postal workers, celebrated the Cuban revolution with their union. “I was a 12-year-old kid watching these workers celebrate. I never forgot that. I was around that union a lot and surreptitiously, vicariously listened to what they talked about, how they would strategise about an action. All that was part of my acculturation as a child.”

A few years later, Glover disappointed his parents. “About 1964 I supported the Nation of Islam because of Malcolm, you know? My mother was a Christian and said the Nation of Islam are nothing but a bunch of hoodlums. She was a mother looking out for her child. Plus, she was trying to grapple with the generational dynamics of what was happening. Her maturation was grounded in the civil rights movement.”

But how did this rad activist become a movie star and befriend one of Hollywood’s most disreputable conservatives, Mel Gibson? “I never thought I was going to be a Hollywood star.” During his 20s and early 30s he worked in community development projects in San Francisco. Stage acting was a sideline. Then he discovered Athol Fugard, the South African writer best known for Brecht-inflected anti-apartheid plays. “Once I started doing Fugard, I became more entrenched in my political work. I could see how you could use your work as an actor as a platform. He became my writer.”

In 1982, he was seen, aged 36, in an off-Broadway production of Fugard’s Master Harold … and the Boys by Robert Benton. The film director cast Glover in his 1984 Depression-era picture Places in the Heart as a black hobo turned farmhand opposite Sally Field, who won an Oscar for her performance as a Texan widow struggling to run the family farm. His movie career then took off. The following year he starred opposite Whoopi Goldberg in Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of Alice Walker’s novel The Color Purple, as Celie’s abusive husband.

It is his performances opposite Gibson as an LAPD cop in four Lethal Weapon movies, though, that made Glover most famous. What’s his take on the charges of homophobia, antisemitism, domestic violence and racism against his former co-star? “Mel’s my friend. I can’t pass judgment on a man’s life. I know my working relationship with him was wonderful – absolutely unequivocally.

“We don’t agree on everything. My take on women’s rights may be different from his. I know Mel is a wonderful human being, a wonderful father. When I’ve asked him to do things on a couple of occasions, he’s done them for me. When I asked him to help raise money for the UN’s development programme, he came through.”

Glover yawns. “Are we good?” he asks, ever avuncular. “Because I think I’m done.” He needs a nap before he makes his fundraising speech for Haiti in the evening.

Downstairs, the afternoon’s panel discussion about the struggles against poverty, ecological devastation, military occupation, war, asylum and immigration is in full flow. Glover won’t be part of it, even though his radical credentials are unimpeachable. A few minutes later, I return to find all 6ft 4in of him curled up on that sofa asleep. It would have been a shame to wake him.

Article source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2012/may/18/danny-glover-good-cop?newsfeed=true

By DAVID BALE


Friday, May 18, 2012
9:38 AM

A 24-year-old woman who stabbed her ex-partner in the face and stomach in a domestic violence incident has been handed a suspended jail sentence.

Nadine Foster, from Magdalen Road, Tilney St Lawrence, near King’s Lynn, was sentenced at Norwich Crown Court yesterday, after pleading guilty to wounding at an earlier hearing.

Prosecuting, Hugh Vass said the incident happened when Foster’s ex-partner visited her at her home address on November 21 last year.

He said: “Both had consumed alcohol. Everything was fine until about 7pm when an argument started. Her ex-partner took her phone from her, locked the front door and took her key.

“She attacked him and stabbed him in the face. He tried to grab the knife from her and cut his finger in the process.”

Mr Vass said the ex-partner then started to dismantle a computer to take from the address, before Foster stabbed him in the stomach.

Foster said in interview that she had previously been the victim of domestic violence, and had initially picked up a kitchen knife to defend herself. She did not deliberately target any part of the victim’s body with the knife, but does not assert that she acted in self-defence, he said.

The court heard that Foster had been in custody for 153 days.

Chris Morgan, for Foster, said: “She has taken alcohol for a long time. At the time of this incident she was on medication for that alcohol consumption, and alcohol is a feature in the event.

“The defendant has a son and she has learned her lesson as a young woman who has been separated from her son for a long time. The defendant’s grandparents are in court and they will provide accommodation for her in the future.”

Foster was sentenced to 48 weeks in prison suspended for 12 months. She must also be under the supervision of the probation service and carry out an alcohol specified activity requirement.

david.bale2@archant.co.uk

Article source: http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/tilney_st_lawrence_woman_stabbed_ex_partner_in_stomach_1_1381257

By Emma Kasprzak
BBC News

The Solloway family faced a delay in registering baby Michael’s birth

The news has been full of stories about the growth of food banks, but what is it like to be pregnant and hungry?

In Birmingham, a non-profit organisation has set up a food bank specifically to help mums-to-be after outreach workers reported a number of their clients were skipping meals.

Malnutrition is serious for anyone but in pregnancy it can lead to a range of complications for mother and baby.

Gateway Family Services said it had identified several reasons why women, in particular, may fall victim to food poverty.

Chief executive Vicki Fitzgerald said some are between sources of income, for example, when changing jobs or waiting to receive benefits.

Others may be new to the UK and unsure how to access support services, or their partners may have lost their jobs.

Domestic violence can also be a factor, especially if their partner is in control of the finances.

‘Lifeline’

Finally, problems also arise when there is a delay in registering a birth, which mean a family is not immediately entitled to child benefit or tax credits.

Claire, not her real name, was 16 when her family took her to Pakistan and tried to force her into an arranged marriage.

Continue reading the main story

“Start Quote

At one point we had £5 left and no food, electricity or gas”

End Quote
Michaela Solloway

When she returned to the UK, her parents disowned her and she struggled to support herself. She also fell victim to domestic abuse.

Claire was eventually referred to Gateway by her GP when she became pregnant last year.

Now 20, she said: “I had Jobseekers Allowance and housing benefit but there were days and days where I wasn’t eating.

“My outreach worker was my lifeline. I had £100 every two weeks, but £20 would go on gas, £10 on electricity and then with food and travel it wasn’t enough.”

Two months into her pregnancy she suffered a miscarriage, but Gateway continued to support her.

Infant mortality

“There are a lot more people out there like me than people think.

“Anyone who met me would have thought I was OK, but I was going back to a flat with no gas or electricity and nothing to eat.”

Lynette Oyaide said the problem of food poverty seemed to be growing

Lynette Oyaide, a pregnancy outreach worker, said Gateway identified those in need of support and then worked with a network of food banks across the city to get supplies.

“When we first started the service you didn’t really hear about people not having access to enough food – it was a problem for the homeless but not people on benefits or in work.”

Gateway was set up after a study found Birmingham had the worst infant mortality rate in Europe.

In 2002, it was 9.7 per 1,000 babies, compared with 5.3 in England and Wales as a whole. By 2008, the rate nationally fell to 4.6, while Birmingham dropped to 7.7.

Vicki Fitzgerald said: “Our work targets the most disadvantaged areas where we try to address the social issues that can affect infant mortality.

“On average we help 800 women a year.

“The system isn’t helping these women so it’s our job to prop up the system.”

A spokesman for the Department for Work and Pensions said processing times for benefits remained consistent with around 80% paid out within 16 days.

Crisis loans are paid out within two days and Job Centre Plus directs those in need to food banks.

He said: “There are no huge delays in benefit payments.

“People do not necessarily come to food banks because of benefit delays, they can have all kinds of problems that lead to them facing financial hardship.”

But benefit delays did cause problems for Michaela and Thomas Solloway.

‘Bridge the gap’

Their son Michael was born on 7 October, but they were unable to register his birth until 2 November because he was kept in hospital for a week and there was a backlog of registrations once he was discharged.

Birmingham City Council admitted there were difficulties, but said extra temporary staff had been taken on to deal with a rise in births and a change to the system which means births can now only be registered by appointment.

The Solloways had both lost their jobs and had £105 a week to live on.

Michaela said: “At one point we had £5 left and no food, electricity or gas.”

She added: “There is no help to bridge the gap.

“There needs to be something in place while you are waiting to register the birth and waiting to receive benefits.”

Article source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-18017876

HELPING Burnley families is the aim of Burnley’s new Mayor, Coun. Charles Bullas, as he takes over the helm as the town’s first citizen.

A proud family man, Coun. Bullas and his wife Irene, his Mayoress, will raise money for Pendleside Hospice along with lesser known charities, including those which help victims of domestic violence, during their term in office.

He was installed as Mayor for 2012/2013 at the town hall this week, on the same day the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Charles visited Burnley. He took over the helm from Coun. David Heginbotham.

MP Gordon Birtwistle proposed the election of Coun. Bullas as Mayor, who he called a “loyal and trusted friend.”

The motion was seconded by Coun. Andy Tatchell who said: “Charlie has the respect of all councillors in this chamber, irrespective of party, and I am certain that he will make an excellent Mayor, first citizen and ambassador for our town.”

The outgoing Mayor and his wife and Mayoress Mrs Joan Heginbotham were thanked by Coun. John Harbour.

“David and Joan have been a great team. Together they have attended more than 260 engagements and I’m sure they have brought much happiness to the many people they have met during this year. They have carried out their civic duties with warmth, respect and a sense of fun.”

Coun. Harbour’s sentiments were echoed by Coun. Jeff Sumner who seconded the vote of thanks.

“I had no doubt when David was elected Mayor 12 months ago that both he and Joan would take on board their roles very seriously and would be outstanding ambassadors for Burnley and the borough.”

In his retiring speech Coun. Heginbotham praised his wife for her support, thanked the people of Burnley and said the last year had been “an epic journey” for them.

Referring to the Royal visit, he said: “This must rank as the greatest day in the history of Burnley, a day we will never forget.”

Coun. Bullas, a 69-year-old great-grandfather, who worked as a fireman as a young man before spending most of his working life at Lucas, where he finished as site manager of the company’s Rossendale Road factory, has been retired for 17 years.

Since then he has been a central figure in Burnley’s political life.

In his acceptance speech to the assembled guests in the council chamber, he thanked fellow councillors, residents and the outgoing Mayor and Mayoress.

“I am proud to have been born in Burnley and in particular the Burnley Wood area. We were brought up in the heart of Burnley Wood in a two-up, two-down terraced house. I am the middle one of three children, my brothers Alan and William are sadly no longer with us.

“The people who lived in Burnley Wood were salt of the earth people who worked hard and were always ready to help their neighbours.

“How it’s changed over the years, but there are still a lot of good people who live there and good properties.

“I am sure that the work being carried out there now will bring it back to what it was, blending the new with the old.”

Coun. Bullas’s son Jonathon is a chief inspector at Burnley police station. He also has a daughter, Amanda, five grandsons and a great-granddaughter.

A Clarets season ticket holder and keen golfer, Coun. Bullas has been a member of Burnley Golf Club for more than 30 years.

He is a past captain of the club and recently ended his three-and-a-half-year term as president, though he remains a trustee.

The new Mayor and Mayoress, who used to work for social services and as a handicraft instructor, will also mark another milestone this year when they celebrate their golden wedding in October.

They were married at St Mary’s RC Church in Yorkshire Street almost 50 years ago.

“During my life I have been blessed with a wonderful loyal family, my wife Irene, who I love dearly, is my pillar and my strength.”

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Article source: http://www.burnleyexpress.net/news/local-news/burnley-s-new-mayor-putting-families-first-1-4560437

A PROJECT to support young people in the Larne area who have dropped out of education because their lives have been affected by domestic violence has been awarded a grant from the Big Lottery Fund.

Women’s Aid has been awarded a grant of £499,997 from the Big Lottery Fund’s Reaching out: Empowering Young People programme, which supports young people most at risk in Northern Ireland, including those who have been disengaged from education, involved in crime or in care.

The organisation has been awarded £499,997 to run training programmes, tutoring sessions and mentoring support at their centres in Larne, Carrickfergus, Antrim, Ballymena and Newtownabbey for young people whose experience of domestic violence has caused them to underachieve at school or leave education.

The support services will help to boost the young people’s self esteem, educate them about healthy relationships and bullying and provide them with teaching and training so they can return to education or go on to find jobs.

“Living in a home where there is violence has a huge impact on a young person’s education,” said area manager Rosemary Magill.

“Often children are kept at home in order to protect their mother, or the mum is not able to walk them to school because she has been hurt, so they end up missing lots of school or dropping out.

“This project is about improving the opportunities of young people in the Larne area and across Northern Ireland, opportunities which have been taken from them because they have had to deal with the threat of domestic violence.

“They may need after school or homework support, or tutoring on specific classes and we will support mums so they can help their children with their homework too.

“But the programme is not just about schoolwork. We will also help young people explore their feelings about things like domestic violence and bullying and raise awareness of healthy, non-violent relationships.

“We are giving these young people the chance to lead happy, fulfilled lives and achieve their goals.”

Frank Hewitt, Big Lottery Fund NI chair, said: “The programme is supporting a range of vital projects that are transforming the lives of isolated young people in our communities who are at risk of crime or have dropped out of school, are not in education or employment, or are living with disabilities or the impact of violence. Our funding is supporting those young people who need our help the most.”

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Article source: http://www.larnetimes.co.uk/news/local/funding-allows-women-s-aid-to-help-larne-youth-1-3846989

Operation Encompass, the brainchild of Devonport officer Sgt David Carney-Haworth, sees police contact schools the day after they have attended a domestic violence incident where a child was present.

Initially piloted in 14 schools in Devonport last year, it has already garnered praise from MPs, council chiefs, headteachers, senior officers and has even been noted in the House of Commons.

Sgt Carney-Haworth said: “The scheme was extended to every school in the city on January 9 and the very last training of key adults took place earlier this week.

“They had been unable to attend the earlier sessions due to commitments.

“We now have 93 schools involved and as of May 10, out of 495 incidents of domestic violence, the 782 children who were present during an incident have received support from key adults in Plymouth’s school.

“On Wednesday I called ten schools, about incidents involving 17 children. I had to tell one headteacher about three of her pupils, all on the same morning.”

Since launching the initiative, Sgt Carney-Haworth has kept track of the statistics, which has revealed interesting features.

He said: “Out of the 495 incidents of domestic abuse reported to us, 288 calls have come from the mum, 54 calls have come from the male partners and 53 have been anonymous calls. Another 31 were from other agencies like ambulance crews, patrol officers or from the Women’s Refuge. We’ve also had 10 calls to police from grandparents.

“But the most concerning figure to me is the 23 calls which have come from the children themselves who are hearing or witnessing the abuse.

“We’ve had cases where the male partner has assaulted the mother in front of young children before smashing up the house.

“The bulk of these incidents are often reported to us after 8pm, with some occurring as late as 2am or even 3am.

“These children still have to go to school in the morning and have a normal day. But now, because of Operation Encompass, there is someone at the school who knows what has gone on the night before and is there to support them.”

The initiative has also recently garnered praise from Gwent police’s Chief Constable Carmel Napier – who is also the Association of Chief Police Officers lead on domestic abuse.

She said: “I am in full support of this excellent project and would like to congratulate Sgt David Carney-Haworth for taking the initiative and introducing this in Plymouth.

“Operation Encompass clearly demonstrates how effective close liaison and information sharing between police officers and schools can be, and how it can help safeguard children who may have witnessed or been involved in an incident of domestic abuse.

“We are now working with the Home Office to roll the project out across England and Wales, and we hope this will begin in the autumn.”

The scheme has also been highly praised by head teachers across the city.

Kim Dorien-Kemp, headteacher of High View primary school in Efford said: “I feel Encompass is the single most important initiative that’s happened in child protection and welfare of families for many years.

“At last people are thinking about the children in these situations. It’s not just about breaking up arguments, it’s about the impact on the child the next morning and in the long term.

“I’m very proud to be part of Op Encompass and congratulate Sgt Carney-Haworth and his team for all their hard work in getting it put in place.”

Article source: http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/Abuse-pilot-national/story-16105240-detail/story.html

Christine Peters had eight children in her home on the day she was stabbed

A man has been jailed for at least 16 years after stabbing his girlfriend to death at a Bedfordshire house where eight children were playing.

Jordan Quailey murdered mother-of-six Christine Peters, 31, in a row at their home in Bedford, on 29 April last year.

Quailey, 30, left her body on a sofa and told the children she was asleep, Luton Crown Court heard.

He was handed the life sentence and minimum tariff after being convicted of murder.

Quailey was father to four of Ms Peters’ six children, all under the age of 10.

On the morning of her death she was also looking after a friend’s two children.

The court heard Quailey and Ms Peters, who lived in Wadsworth Court, Bedford, had a volatile relationship and there were incidents of domestic violence.

Jordan Quailey was found guilty of murder following a trial

‘Callous’ act

A neighbour heard the couple arguing between 08:00 and 09:00 BST on 29 April last year – the day of Kate Middleton and Prince William’s Royal wedding.

The argument lasted just 10 minutes, before “everything went quiet”, the court heard.

Hours later, Quailey contacted police and told a 999 operator that he had thrown a knife at his partner, adding: “I think she has passed away.”

He was arrested there the next day, after spending the night with another woman, the court heard.

Post-mortem tests showed Ms Peters died from a single knife wound to the chest.

Quailey, who did not give evidence during the trial, was found guilty on Wednesday.

Judge Richard Foster said the attack was not pre-planned but added Quailey had not shown any remorse, had moved the body and had not called the emergency service to try to save her.

The judge said spending the night with a girlfriend afterwards was “callous”.

Article source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-18106930

7:00am Thursday 17th May 2012 in Bradford

A Bradford charity which helps women suffering domestic violence and abuse has received a £310,000 Lottery windfall.

The money means the Staying Put Legal Assistance Service, developed and expanded in 2009 through Lottery funding, will be sustained for a further three years.

Staying Put received the cash from the Big Lottery’s Reaching Communities Programme and Supporting Change and Impact Fund.

More than 1,300 families have benefited since the service was set up as an extension to other services Staying Put already provides to those experiencing domestic violence and abuse.

Laura Chapman, chairman of Staying Put, said the funding was excellent news as the organisation provided a complex service that responded to individual needs.

She said the service had moved beyond keeping families safe from abusive relationships and also helped them in independent living.

Yasmin Khan, director of Staying Put, added: “This grant will be a lifeline for hundreds of vulnerable women and their children across the district.

“The sustainability of the service will strengthen and streamline existing violence against women services funded by Bradford Council and the Primary Care Trust, so that women who are vulnerable
and finding the process of dealing with the difficulties of an abusive relationship frightening can gain a service from one point of contact.”

The main role of the legal assistance team is to support women through the court process. The service offers legal information and supports women in gaining orders through the civil courts to help
keep them safe. If a woman is not eligible for free legal aid, Staying Put can support her in applying for orders by representing herself at court. The legal assistance team also supports women at
criminal courts, before, during and after the trial.

The legal assistance team works closely with other agencies including solicitors and the Probation Service.

For more information, contact Staying Put on 01274 667104.

Article source: http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/local/localbrad/9710045.Staying_Put_gets___310_000_to_help__victims_of_violence/?ref=nt