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Operation Relentless
Operation Relentless was a major campaign to reduce nuisance behaviour and alcohol-related crime has been launched across Derbyshire.
The six-week initiative involved police officers who worked with organisations all over the county, such as councils and the fire service, to tackle anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related crime.
The operation run between September 27 and November 8 2010 and consisted of six, themed weeks. It tied in with the traditional historical increases in anti-social behaviour around half term, Halloween and Bonfire Night.
It aimed to improve communities, make people feel safer and increase confidence in the police service and partner agencies.
A 
newsletter was produced highlighting some of the activities that took place across Bolsover district.
To find out more about what is happening in your neighbourhood contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team on 0345 123 3333 or visit their website.
Barlborough pupils join local officers for litter pick
Primary school pupils in Barlborough joined their local bobbies for a litter pick in the village as part of an operation to improve communities.
Year six students from Barlborough Primary School, officers from the Barlborough Safer Neighbourhood Team and staff from the local McDonald's restaurant carried out the litter pick on Monday, October 18. 
Youngsters helped to collect several bags of rubbish and were rewarded with McDonald's food vouchers for their hard work.
The litter pick was held as part of Derbyshire Constabulary's Operation which is a six-week long countywide campaign by police and partner organisations aimed at improving communities, making people feel safer and increasing confidence in local services.
PC Jason Graham said: "The litter pick went really well. All the children enjoyed it and it and asked when they could do it again.
"Hopefully it will encourage people to throw their litter in the bin when they see local youngsters making the effort to keep their community looking clean and tidy."
Pictured: PC Jason Graham and PCSO Kate Lee with the McDonald's workers and pupils - Josh Bowler, Dante Rae, Alex Walden, Jenna Tinsley, Jessica Robinson and Rebecca Grindey.
Issued: 21/10/2010
Beer goggles show Bolsover kids dangers of alcohol
Police and youth workers in Bolsover have teamed up to show kids the effect alcohol can have on co-ordination and personal safety as part of a police operation to tackle nuisance behaviour.
Officers from the Bolsover Safer Neighbourhood Team and Derbyshire County Council district youth workers staged the 'Beer Goggles' event at Talking Hedz, Moor Lane, on Tuesday, October 19 as part of Operation Relentless.
Youngsters were asked to follow a course which included filling a glass with water, following a line on the floor, putting on your coat, sending a text message to your mum, writing your name and address on a board and finally picking some keys up off the floor and unlocking a door.
The tasks took around one minute to complete when 'sober' but when the youngsters were wearing the beer goggles, which simulate the effect drinking five pints of beer has on your co-ordination, it took an average of six minutes - with some unable to complete the course.
The session took place as part of Operation Relentless, a six-week long countywide partnership campaign which aims to improve communities, make people feel safer and increase confidence in local services.
Each week has its own special theme, and this week is 'Alcohol Harm Reduction Week' where activities have been organised to tackle the effects of alcohol misuse in terms of both health and crime.
PCSO Ben Perry, of the Bolsover Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: "We wanted to make alcohol awareness fun for the youngsters and the beer goggles are a great way of doing that. We can get a serious message across through a light-hearted method.
"It also breaks down barriers and allows us to talk to them about the dangers of drinking alcohol including how it makes you more vulnerable, the health risks, the law and how to support a friend who is drunk."
Talking Hedz is a youth club for youngsters in Bolsover aged 15 to 19-years-old and offers a safe place for youngsters to hang out with friends as well as a wide range of activities.
To find out more about what is happening in your neighbourhood as part of Operation Relentless
Issued: 21/10/2010
Two cars seized in traffic operation in Shuttlewood
Police seized two cars and issued a number of fines and warnings during an action day to tackle dangerous driving in Shuttlewood.
Officers from the Bolsover Safer Neighbourhood Teams worked with traffic officers and VOSA to target drivers on Buttermilk Lane, Shuttlewood, on Tuesday, October 12.
One car was seized after it was stopped by officers and the driver was found to be uninsured and the second was seized after counterfeit cigarettes were found by the officers.
Four fines were issued to motorists for offences including speeding, not having a valid MOT and tyre offences.
One driver was reported for summons to court for driving without a licence.
Police also issued eight cautions to motorists who were travelling slightly over the speed limit or had minor faults on their cars.
VOSA (Vehicle and Operator Services Agency) issued six prohibition notices to drivers whose vehicles had faults which seriously affected their roadworthiness.
These cars must be immediately removed from the road until it is roadworthy and has passed an MOT.
The enforcement day was carried out as part of Operation Relentless, a six-week long countywide campaign by police and partner organisations which aims to improve communities, make people feel safer and increase confidence in local services.
Issued: 18/10/2010
Off-road bike operation targets nuisance riders in Bolsover
Officers arrested one teenager and cautioned three others as part of an action day to tackle off-road nuisance motorbikes across the Bolsover district.
A team of officers from Bolsover Safer Neighbourhood Teams, Roads Policing and Derbyshire County Council Countryside Rangers joined forces to target nuisance riders.
Two extra officers from Northamptonshire Constabulary also took part using their specialist off road motorbikes to target areas that were inaccessible by car.
The action day was set up as part of Operation Relentless after police received a number of complaints about nuisance motorbikes in rural areas across the district including country parks and quarries.
A 17-year-old was arrested after officers stopped him on a motorbike in Creswell and discovered he had no driving licence or insurance. He has been reported for summons to court.
Three other teenagers all between 16 and 19-years-old were given warnings and if they are caught again using their bike to cause nuisance, distress or alarm it will be seized and crushed.
They were stopped at various locations across the district on Sunday, October 10.
The first was riding his scooter on the pavement in Clowne, the second was using a quad bike illegally on Frithwood Trail, Creswell, and the third was stopped by officers after he was seen riding his off-road motorbike at the rear of some private properties in Shirebrook.
PCSO Kate Lee, who organised the action day, said: "With the help of the countryside rangers we were able to gain access to majority of the sites. Local gamekeepers were also very helpful in keeping us informed of any activity near their land.
"On the day the team pulled together to target problematic areas and we were successful in getting across the message that we do not tolerate this behaviour and action is being taken to prevent it."
The two Northamptonshire officers were jointly funded by Bolsover Community Safety Partnership and Derbyshire County Council.
Issued: 14/10/2010
New Neighbourhood Watch in Doe Lea
A new Neighbourhood Watch Scheme has been launched in Doe Lea near Chesterfield to bring together community members and local police.
It covers two new small residential areas being created by major developers as well as the existing community of houses - with more than 90 residents signing up to the scheme.
The area co-ordinator for the Doe Lea scheme is Derek Weston who has recently retired from a career in the NHS and moved to Derbyshire with his wife Sue.
Derek said: "I have a bit of time on my hands and thought I could put it to good use by encouraging people to support a Neighbourhood Watch. I have done a lot of door knocking but I am thrilled with the response. It's a really good opportunity to build the community spirit which already existed among the Doe Lea residents. I'll work hard to make sure our scheme makes a difference."
A well attended launch meeting was held on Thursday, October 7 at the Doe Lea Centre sponsored by Taylor Wimpey and Gleeson the building developers of the new homes in the village.
Jean Greaves, the Neighbourhood Watch Project Officer for Chesterfield and District, also attended the launch.
She said: "We are always pleased to see the scheme extending into new areas and this will be quite a big patch. We'll give all the help and support we can to the new Doe Lea scheme."
To find out more about setting up your own Neighbourhood Watch call 01246 522331.
Issued: 12/10/2010
Bolsover families reeled in by Operation Relentless
Families in Bolsover have been getting hooked on a new hobby alongside their local police officers as part of Operation Relentless.
Around a dozen youngsters and their parents have been attending daily fishing sessions at Carr Vale, Bolsover, as part of 'Family Engagement' week.
Bolsover Safer Neighbourhoods officers PC Tony Bagshaw, who is also an angling coach, and PCSO Ben Perry have been running the sessions every day from Monday, October 4 to Friday, October 8.
Teenagers who have just left school as well as younger children have enjoyed the sessions so much they have applied for their own fishing licenses so they can carry on the sport.
PC Bagshaw said: "A number of families have been coming along after the children finish school and spending some quality time together without the distractions of the TV and a busy home life.
"We've also had a number of youngsters coming along who may otherwise have been out on the streets bored so it has had a very positive effect on our relationship with local teens."
The sessions were run as part of Operation Relentless, a six-week long initiative involving police and partner organisations which aims to improve communities, make people feel safer and increase confidence in local services.
The campaign was launched on Monday, September 27 and each week carries its own theme.
Week Two started on Monday, October 4, under the theme of 'Family Engagement' where organisations focus on creating diversionary activities for youngsters and their families.
The fishing equipment, which was bought last year, was paid for by CATCH (Chesterfield Anglers, Tutors, Coaches and Helpers) and Derbyshire Constabulary with money seized from criminals through the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Issued: 08/10/2010
Plenty of Opportunities for “Burglar” Cyril
A plea has been issued to Bolsover residents asking them to think more carefully about security after an exercise involving a PCSO acting as a burglar in the district revealed many are putting their properties and belongings at risk.
Keys left on display in the vehicle to which they belonged, numerous garage doors left open enabling passers-by to see high-value goods, ladders, tools and beer; house back, side and conservatory doors left open and insecure windows with handbags, keys and other valuables beside them were among the dozens of situations spotted by Cyril the Burglar, alias PCSO Ben Perry.
Cyril, accompanied by PC Tony Bagshaw and CAN Rangers from Bolsover District Council, visited numerous locations last week. They walked around areas in Bolsover district looking for properties, vehicles and outbuildings which were insecure in a bid to raise awareness about the need for security and discuss how easy it is to prevent your property from being targeted.
Advice was given to residents who were at home, packs left at those where no-one was around and visits are to be made to some by Crime Reduction Officers.
The Cyril the Burglar project was funded by Bolsover Community Safety Partnership after figures revealed that although the number of household burglaries in the district fell during the last quarter compared to the one before, what was significant was that in 99 of the crimes the offenders got into the property concerned as a result of insecurities.
Commenting on the exercise, PCSO Perry said: “Residents were more than happy with the initiative and appreciated the advice. Most were happy to have insecurities mentioned and took our advice on board. Numerous residents are having follow-up visits and safe and secure scheme referrals.”
Cyril’s visits, part of Operation Relentless*, were well-publicised in advance and people living in, working in and visiting the area who spotted him were encouraged to call a special report line to get themselves entered into a prize draw for a chance to win a window alarm.
Welcoming the results of the project, Partnership Sgt Paul Smith said: “This was an excellent piece of work.
“We are confident that it has proved successful in making lots of people think about the need to better secure their properties. It also raised awareness about suspicious activity in neighbourhoods.”
Anyone with information about any crime who wishes to report it but remain completely anonymous can phone Crimestoppers free on 0800 555111.
Issued: 05/10/2010
Clowne cops beat local teens in footy competition
Rain didn't stop play as cops from Clowne took on local youngsters in a football tournament on Sunday, October 3.
Officers from the local Safer Neighbourhood teams played in the cup style competition against the teenagers at Clowne College.
Each player received a medal and prizes donated by Tesco and McDonalds were given to a number of players.
The six-a-side competition was organised as part of Operation Relentless, police initiative to tackle anti-social behaviour and alcohol related crime.
PCSO Matt Wardle, who organised the tournament, said: "The weather didn't dampen anyone's spirits, we all had a fantastic time and I'm pleased to say I was on the winning team.
"I would like to thank Clowne College for letting us use their pitch, Portland Trophies for supplying the medals and trophies and Tony Patterson from the youth service for his help in pulling this together."
Issued: 05/10/2010
Dangerous drivers in Shirebrook targeted during Operation Relentless
Police seized a vehicle and fined more than a dozen motorists as part of an enforcement day tackling dangerous drivers in Shirebrook.
Officers from the Shirebrook Safer Neighbourhood Team carried out the operation along with traffic officers and VOSA on Portland Drive, Shirebrook, on Thursday, September 30.
The vehicle was seized after officers carrying out the checks stopped the driver for speeding and found he had no licence or insurance. He has been issued with a summons to court for his offences.
Five motorists were issued with £80 fines and three penalty points for speeding and a further five who were only marginally over the speed limit were given warnings.
Twelve drivers stopped for not wearing seatbelts received fines and cautions.
Six motorists whose vehicles had defects including faulty tyres and headlights were given prohibition orders meaning they must take the car off the road until it is roadworthy and has passed an MOT.
The driver of an HGV van was also cautioned for not having an operations licence.
PC Gemma Booth of the Shirebrook Safer Neighbourhood Team said: "Having safe roads is important to local residents and the enforcement day was carried out to let motorists know we are continually checking for anyone breaking the law."
The enforcement day was carried out as part of Operation Relentless, a six-week long countywide campaign by police and partner organisations which aims to improve communities, make people feel safer and increase confidence in local services.
Issued: 04/10/2010
New Neighbourhood Watch for Whitwell residents
A new Neighbourhood Watch scheme has been launched in the village of Whitwell to improve links between local residents and police. 
The new watch was set up by local resident Michael Emmerson alongside officers from the local Safer Neighbourhood team after a few distraction type burglaries took place in the area.
The watch will cover the Thorpe Avenue area of Whitwell and Mr Emmerson will be working alongside local officers, sharing information about any suspicious activity.
He will also receive monthly updates on crimes that have taken place in the area which he will pass on to other members along with any advice from officers.
A launch meeting was held at Whitwell Community Centre on Tuesday, September 28 with members of the group as well as officers from the Whitwell and Hodthorpe Safer Neighbourhood Team and the Neighbourhood Watch project officer.
PC Fay Taylor, of the Whitwell and Hodthorpe SNT, said: "We have suffered from a couple of distraction type burglaries in the area over the last couple of months so we have been working with local residents and the Neighbourhood Watch project officer to set this up.
"I will regularly be liaising with Mr Emmerson to share information about what is happening in the area so he can feed back to the other members."
Jean Greaves, project officer for Neighbourhood Watch across Chesterfield, Bolsover and NE Derbyshire, helped to set up the scheme
She said: "Each active watch helps to save police around £850 a year so not only is it beneficial to that particular street but also to the wider community."
There are three other Neighbourhood Watch schemes in the Whitwell area on Main Road, Sunnyside and Bexton Moor.
The watch was launched as part of Derbyshire Constabulary's Operation Relentless, a six-week long countywide campaign by police and partner organisations which aims to improve communities, make people feel safer and increase confidence in local services.
To find out more about setting up a Neighbourhood Watch call 01246 522331 or email chesterfield@crime-prevention.co.uk.
Pictured: Mr M Emmerson, Jean Greaves, PC Fay Taylor, PCSO Katie Lee.
Issued: 29/09/2010
Bike lock scheme for Bolsover residents
Cyclists can join a national register and get a handy pocket sized lock as part of a new cycle security initiative launched in Bolsover this week.
The joint initiative between Bolsover and District Cycling Club, Derbyshire Police and Bolsover Community Safety Partnership aims to reduce bike thefts in the area.
Safer Neighbourhoods officer PC Adam Galley, who is also the treasurer of Bolsover and District Cycling Club, came up with the idea to help make bikes less attractive to thieves.
Derbyshire Police and Bolsover Community Safety Partnership have funded the first batch of locks and marking kits which will be passed on to cyclists via the club at cost price of £6.50 for both.
The marking system is like a "DVLA for cycles", where the details of the bike and its owner are logged on a national register and the cycle is marked with a unique registration number.
The bike marking makes the bike less attractive to thieves and if the bike was ever stolen and recovered it could be returned to its rightful owner.
The pocket sized locks are easy to carry around and are designed to be used when a bike is left unattended for a short time - which is when most bike thefts occur.
PC Galley said: "As a member of a large local bike club I wanted to set up a project that would benefit local cyclists and help them to secure their bikes.
"At a club meeting we decided it should be a continuous project rather than a short term idea so by running it at cost price we can keep ordering more stock as we need it.
"We have already had a lot of interest from club members and hopefully cyclists from across the district will take it up."
The scheme is being launched as part of Derbyshire Constabulary's Operation Relentless, which is a six-week partnership initiative aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour and alcohol related crime.
The operation runs between September 27 and November 8 and consists of six, themed weeks; the first is improving local neighbourhoods.
Community Safety Partnership Sergeant Paul Smith said: "We hope people take advantage of this fantastic initiative. It doesn't matter if you are a keen cyclist or just enjoy an occasional ride with the family - it is open to everyone."
To find out more or to register your interest in the scheme go to www.bolsoveranddistrictcyclingclub.org.uk.
Once an order has been placed, club members and local Safer Neighbourhoods officers will come out and mark the bike and take care of the registration.
Issued: 27/09/2010
Cyril the burglar is out and about in Bolsover
Residents in Bolsover are being invited to look out for a 'burglar' who will be on the prowl in the town this month - and spotting him could win them a shed or window alarm.
Police are aware of exactly where 'Cyril the Burglar' will be because he is actually a Community Support Officer - and is out to raise awareness about burglary rather than to steal anything.
Cyril the Burglar project has been funded by the Bolsover Community Safety Partnership. The initiative will be delivered by police officers from the Bolsover Safer Neighbourhood Team during the first week of Operation Relentless which focuses on Improving Local Neighbourhoods.
Cyril's visits will be used to raise awareness about the need for security and how easy it is to prevent your property from being targeted. While he is walking the streets he will be looking for properties, vehicles and outbuildings which are insecure and will leave crime prevention packs at them.
Uniformed officers will also be in the area, talking to residents about security and handing out packs. People living in, working in and visiting the area who spot Cyril are being encouraged to call the special report line to get themselves a window alarm.
The number of household burglaries in Bolsover fell during the last quarter, but what is significant is that in 99 of the crimes last quarter, the offenders got into the property concerned as a result of insecure doors or windows including ones left open.
Posters and leaflets with Cyril's photo on them have been widely distributed in the areas concerned. They reveal that Cyril will be in Sandhills Road and Horsehead Lane between 12.30 pm and 4.30 pm on September 27; in Ridgedale Road and Carr Vale from 7am to 11am on September 28; and in Palterton and Hillstown from 12.30pm until 4.30pm on September 29.
On September 30 Cyril will be visiting the Castle Estate, Hilltop and Oxcroft Lane between 10 am and 2.00 pm and will make his final appearance on October 1 when he will be in Stanfree and Shuttlewood between 2pm and 6pm.
Anyone who spots him should call 07902 218777.
Partnership Sgt Paul Smith said: "We hope that Cyril will prove an effective way of making people think about the need to ensure their properties are secure and raise awareness about suspicious activity in their neighbourhoods.
"Residents can significantly reduce their chance of being targeted by burglars by taking a few simple steps such as making sure windows and doors are secure and good quality locks are fitted on their doors and outbuildings.
If you have any information about crime and wish to remain anonymous please phone Crimestoppers free on 0800 555111.
Pictured: PCSO Benn Perry as 'Cyril the Burglar'
Issued: 21/09/2010
Last Updated on Wednesday, 25 May 2011 08:54
