BREASTON CANNABIS FACTORY

Hundreds of suspected cannabis plants have been found at a house in Breaston. Officers attended a house in Wilsthorpe Road on the night of Monday 6th December and found almost 400 plants growing in five rooms. A Vietnamese man was found at the house, whom officers believe to be a victim of modern slavery. He was taken to a place of safety and is being supported. The investigation into the grow is ongoing. 

Spotting the signs of a potential cannabis grow: 

Strong, sickly smells 

Windows constantly covered 

Excessive security 

High levels of condensation 

Lots of visitors - often at unsociable hours 

Lack of snow frost/snow on roofs in times of cold weather 

Bright lights on in the house during the day and night 

Constant buzz of a ventilation system 

COUPLE JAILED AFTER ARMED ROBBERIES

A couple have been jailed for nearly 20 years for their parts in a string of armed robberies across Erewash. Mark Hamlet used a handgun to demand cash, tobacco, and alcohol from terrified shop keepers during a campaign of robberies in the June and July of 2019. The 37-year-old carried out the first two offences on consecutive days – striking first on June 23rd, at the Co-op in College Street, Long Eaton, where his partner, Rebecca Monk, had gone inside to recce who was in the shop prior to the robbery. 

The following day Hamlet struck again at the Select Convenience Store in Stanton Road, Sandiacre. The final two incidents took place at the Texaco petrol station, in Nottingham Road, Spondon, on July 3rd and the Post Office in College Street, Long Eaton, on July 4th. Following the robbery of the Post Office officers attended the couples’ home in Grasmere Road, Long Eaton. The pair refused to come out of the house and a 14-hour armed standoff ensued – before they were both safely arrested. Inside the house officers found the handgun used in the robberies hidden inside a Mr Kipling cake box. Hamlet was charged with four counts of robbery, one count of attempted robbery and one count of threatening a person with a blade in a public place. 

Monk, 50, was charged with one count of robbery – in relation to the incident at the Co-op in College Street, Long Eaton. Both denied the offences but were found guilty after a trial at Derby Crown Court. On Friday 10th December, at Nottingham Crown Court, Hamlet was jailed for 15 years and six months, with Monk handed four years and three months for her part in the College Street robbery. 

DC Gavin Owen, who was part of the team that brought the pair to justice, said: “Incidents such as these are thankfully rare in our county – but in many ways that makes the actions of Hamlet even more shocking. The offences took place in small towns and villages and left those involved in understandable fear for their lives. That nobody was hurt during the offences is only due to the sheer good luck. CCTV footage of the incidents showed Hamlet pointing a gun, and in one case a knife, in the face of his victims. In one case the terrified shop worker heard the gun click and thought she was about to be shot. The victims in these incidents bravely gave evidence during the trial which was vital in securing this conviction. I cannot thank them enough for their support and strength since the offence took place.” 

DESIGNING THE FUTURE

Erewash residents have the chance to decide on a brand new look for a popular play area. Erewash Borough Council won an external funding bid for £70,000 for the refurbishment of Larklands Play Area inIlkeston. Two artists’ impressions of different play areas have been put forward and residents are being invited to pick their favourite with the most popular design selected to create a fantastic new play area for children to enjoy.

The ambitious project will see a range of exciting new play equipment installed, as well as new safety surfacing and fencing. The play area will be fully accessible and will cater for a wide age range and it is hoped that completion will by the end of this year.

 Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Paul Maginnis, says:

“This is a fantastic opportunity for the local community to have their say in the design of the new play area. Both designs offer a multitude of fun play equipment and, whichever one is chosen, this will benefit children and families for years to come, so please take the time to choose your favourite!”

External funding has come from FCC Communities Foundation, which is a not-for-profit business that awards grants for community projects through the Landfill Communities Fund. The bid for funding was supported by Ilkeston Parents for Play and Kensington Junior Academy in Ilkeston, with the council also contributing to the project. To take part in the online survey visit erewash.gov.uk/larklands where the two designs can be viewed, or email parks@erewash.gov.uk with your decision, ‘Option 1’ or ‘Option 2’. Please mention ‘Larklands Play Area Consultation’ in the subject field of your email. The consultation closes at 9am on Wednesday 4th August 2021.

MAN DIES AFTER COLLISION IN BREASTON

Police are appealing for witnesses after a man sadly died in a collision last Sunday night 18th July. The incident occurred just after 8.10pm on Draycott Road near the junction of Marlborough Road. Emergency services were called and Draycott Road was closed while they were in attendance. Sadly, a man aged in his 30s died at the scene. Police would like to hear from anyone who was travelling in the area at the time and witnessed the incident, or who may have dashcam footage which could help with their inquiries. If you have any information which you think may help please contact us on one of the following non-emergency methods, quoting reference number 1136-180721.

Facebook– send us a private message to /DerbyshireConstabulary  Twitter– direct message our contact centre on @DerPolContact  Website– complete the online contact form derbyshire.police.uk/ContactUs. Phone – call us on 101. You can also anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

PARKING PAYMENT UPGRADE

A further seven contactless payment machines have been installed in some Erewash town centre car parks to make life easier for drivers. The new machines were installed by Erewash Borough Council this week - with upgrades in Ilkeston to the two payment machines at Club Row and one at Lower Bath Street. In Long Eaton, the two machines at Beaconsfield Street are now contactless and upgrades have also been made to the Long Eaton Town Hall machine and at Waverley Street car park. The move is part of an on-going programme to provide the contactless option in the council’s car parks. Councillor Michael Powell, Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Regeneration and Planning, says:

“This is good news for drivers using our town centre car parks. The new machines will make life easier and also provide a covid-secure contactless payment option. However, there is still the option to pay by cash for those that prefer to pay that way.”

Contactless payment has been available since 2019 at Ilkeston town centre’s Albion Centre Pimlico, Queen Street and South Street car parks. It is also provided at Long Eaton Train Station.