Derbyshire Police has said that a dedicated operation to tackle serious acquisitive crime and burglary in the north of the county is already seeing results.

Operation Baytree was launched recently in response to several burglaries and thefts of Land Rovers in north Derbyshire, particularly in the High Peak.

Roads Policing officers, response officers and local Safer Neighbourhood teams have increased patrols in the area to deter and catch those responsible for the rise in this type of crime.

Derbyshire Police believe criminals are travelling into the area from neighbouring counties and say it is working with other forces as part of the operation.

A suspicious van was stopped in Hathersage on 24 January and a suspected stolen quad bike found inside.

A 27-year-old man from Nottinghamshire was arrested on suspicion of burglary following a break-in last month, at a property in Peak Dale, Buxton, in which a mountain bike was stolen.

Another man, aged 23, was arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary and criminal damage after an incident was reported on Kinder Road, Hayfield. The man has been bailed pending further investigations.

Detective Inspector Josh Parker said: "Operation Baytree has seen us invest in investigative and preventative resources to tackle the recent rise in burglary, and vehicle crime, that we have seen in the High Peak.

“We know these crimes have a huge impact on those in our local communities and are doing everything we can to support those affected, thoroughly investigate, and share useful crime prevention advice.

"In recent weeks we have seen great work by officers using intelligence to quickly locate stolen Land Rovers, which has bolstered our investigations into these thefts.

“Anyone who has been affected by burglary or vehicle theft in the High Peak is urged to report it to us as soon as possible via the contact methods below.

“We would also like to offer the following advice on steps you can take to protect your home and vehicle from criminals. Please do share this with anyone who you think may find it useful.”

Land Rover owners:

• Always leave your vehicle locked and alarmed if possible
• Review your home or business security and consider investing in CCTV, security gates or sensor lights to alert you when someone walks near your vehicle or enters the driveway.
• Use a steering wheel lock or pedal lock.
• Consider fitting an after-market approved immobiliser
• Never leave the vehicle’s keys in the ignition, in the same outbuilding as the vehicle, or near your front door inside your home.
• Park in a locked garage, secure car park or well-lit area if possible.
• Consider having windows etched with the vehicle registration number or use an invisible ink marker pen to mark these details and your postcode on the underside frame of the vehicle.
• Make a note of the chassis number.
• Fit a vehicle tracking system.
• Be vigilant when using your vehicle for anyone taking an interest in it

Homeowners:

• Make sure windows and doors are locked at night
• Consider investing in security lights and make sure trees and shrubs near your property are trimmed back to remove potential hiding places
• Consider investing in light timers during the darker months, so that the property appears occupied when you are out.
• Be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police

How to contact police:

• Facebook – send a private message to /DerbyshireConstabulary
• Twitter – direct message the contact centre on @DerPolContact
• Website – complete the online contact form at https://www.derbyshire.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us/
• Phone – call 101.

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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