78 DRINK AND DRUG DRIVERS

Throughout December, Derbyshire Constabulary joined forces with the Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service in the ‘Don’t Get Wrecked’ Christmas drink and drug driving enforcement campaign. Our Roads Policing Unit worked tirelessly in a four-week long operation, conducting over 180 breath tests and 77 drug swipes - resulting in 78 drivers testing positive for drink or drug driving offences. Due to the closure of bars and restaurants, we saw a decrease in drink related offences by 35%, however, 37 drivers still took to the roads whilst over the drink drive limit, with the highest reading recording 105 milligrams of alcohol in 100ml of breath - the legal limit is 35.

Between 1st December 2020 and 1st January 2021, drug driving offences increased by over 70% compared to the same period in 2019, with 41 drivers being found to have cocaine, cannabis or a mixture of both in their systems. These drivers’ selfish actions, led to several collisions taking place on Derbyshire’s roads. Inspector Greg Hunt, who leads the Roads Policing Unit, said:

 “Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is one of the biggest causes of accidents and fatalities across the UK. Sadly, even despite the current Covid-19 restrictions in place, people still chose to get behind the wheel whilst intoxicated. Each day, road collisions have lethal consequences for victims, families and communities and often they could have been easily prevented. I am proud of the integral work of our officers from across the county, during this enforcement campaign. The 2020 campaign may now be over, but we will still be out continuing to safeguard our streets and keep others from harm.”

Hardyal Dhindsa, Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner, said:

“While this campaign was intelligence-driven, I’m disappointed to see so many motorists continuing to put themselves, other drivers and pedestrians at risk by drink or drug driving - despite the very clear advice of police and road safety partners.  It is a well-known fact that driving while under the influence of drink and drugs can have fatal consequences for the driver and innocent motorists or bystanders, putting families through the pain of unnecessary loss and devastation. Road safety remains one of my top priorities and I am determined to ensure those who flout the laws are brought to justice. I would like to thank the road safety team for their support and dedication during this campaign and for ensuring these dangerous drivers are taken off the roads. The message is clear; if you drive while under the influence of drink or drugs, there will be serious consequences.”

HELP BALANCE THE BUDGET

Erewash residents are being urged to get involved and give their views as the borough council shapes its budget for the next financial year, when it will again face having to make significant savings. The council has launched an online survey this month to ask local people about the council’s services ahead of deciding on the savings that will have to be made to balance the 2021/2022 revenue budget. The short survey is on the Consultation page at www.erewash.gov.uk and will be available until the closing deadline of 11.55pm on 31st January. As in previous years, residents are asked about which services are most or least important to them and the results will help show any changes or trends in the opinions of residents. Councillor Wayne Major, Deputy Leader of Erewash Borough Council and Lead Member for Resources, says:

 “This has been a challenging year when the pandemic has put a massive strain on our resources and we know the next 12 months are going to be equally difficult as we face having to find further significant savings. But we are proud that, despite all the financial challenges over the last few years, we have maintained our vital front line services and made the necessary efficiency savings. It is crucial we now get our budget priorities right and so I would urge people to take the time to complete our online survey.”

Those taking part can also make constructive comments  about the council budget or make suggestions on how the council could increase income and reduce costs. Anyone wanting a hard copy of the consultation should email the council’s Community Engagement Officer colin.handley@erewash.gov.uk

STAB VICTIM DIES

A murder investigation has been launched after the death of a 16-year-old boy who was stabbed on Boxing Day. The boy was being treated at Queen’s Medical Centre following the incident in Hickings Lane, Stapleford, just before 5.30am on Saturday 26th December. Despite the best efforts of medical staff he died from his injuries on Tuesday afternoon. Jake Rollinson, 20, of Hickings Lane, Stapleford, was charged with attempted murder on Sunday and remanded in custody. Detective Inspector Steven Wragg, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This was a tragic incident in which a young man has lost his life. Detectives have been working around the clock to establish what happened and I would like to thank the public for their support and understanding as our investigation continues. The victim’s family are being supported by specially trained officers at what I know must be an unimaginably difficult time.”

SHOPLIFTER JAILED

A shoplifter was arrested after he entered Tesco, in Long Eaton and tried to stuff a DVD down his trousers. When a security officer confronted him he began kicking a glass fire door and said he “wanted to be arrested”.

Christopher Rice had appeared in court earlier the same day for criminal damage at a shop in Nottingham and was handed a community order. After walking free he made his way to Tesco in Long Eaton. Magistrates jailed Rice for four weeks and ordered him to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £1238 victim surcharge.

ATTEMPTED MURDER IN STAPLEFORD

Two people have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following what police believe was a targeted attack. Nottinghamshire Police received a report that a 16-year-old boy had been stabbed just before 5.30am on Saturday 26th December. Officers were quickly on the scene of the incident in Hickings Lane in Stapleford. The boy was taken to hospital with serious injuries. A 20-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. Detective Inspector Ed Cook, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “I understand the concern an incident such as this one can cause in the community. Our investigation into what happened is well under way and we believe those involved were known to each other and that there was no risk to the wider public. Officers were quickly on the scene and we have two people in custody. We are not currently looking for anyone else in connection with the incident. To further reassure local people we have increased patrols in the area and I would encourage anyone who has questions to come and speak to one of our officers.”Anyone who has information about what happened should call Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 94 of 26 December.