Several action groups have been set up to tackle crime and disorder in the Borough.

They include:

• Anti-Social Behaviour Group
• Safer Towns Group  
• East Derbyshire Domestic Violence Forum   * 
• Burglary Group   *   
• Vehicle Crime Group   *  
• Multi-Agency Racial Harassment Group   *      

* - working in partnership with Erewash Community Safety Partnership

See below for Action Plans

Each of the these action groups have developed comprehensive action plans, outlining how they will tackle crime and disorder over the coming 2 years. 

Anti-Social Behaviour

An Anti-Social Behaviour co-ordinator was appointed by the Partnership in December 2004, and since then she has been working hard to help to tackle the problems that can have such a major impact upon quality of life. 

The Safer Towns Group  

This was set up to tackle town-centre based violent crime.   We are aware that town-centre violence is often alcohol-related and occurs in the evening, and this group was established to reduce such offending and improve feelings of safety amongst the community. 

A recent initiative undertaken by the Safer Towns Group has been the purchase of metal detector ‘wands’, enabling door staff in Ripley town centre to search pub-goers for metal objects.   The wands have been distributed to licensees at several venues in the town centre, and it is hoped that this will help to reduce alcohol-fuelled violent incidents. 

Domestic Abuse Services in Amber Valley 

Statistics suggest that 25% of violent crime is related to Domestic Abuse, and we recognise the importance of tackling this often un-reported and hidden crime.   It is essential that we develop services to support and inform victims of their rights, and services that each individual can access to deal with their own situation. 

A Domestic Violence Co-ordinator has been appointed to develop these services in both Amber Valleyand Erewash.  

Drop- Ins

In Amber Valley we have ‘drop in’ services in Ripley and Alfreton. These venues allow victims of domestic abuse to walk in without an appointment, and ask for information and / or support from our team of support workers. 

We also receive referrals to the drop ins from Social Services, the Police and Health services. 

Domestic Abuse Drop In Venues are:  

Room 14
Alfreton House
High Street
Alfreton            Fridays between 11.00am–1.00pm

The Mews
Church Street
Ripley              Wednesdays    10.30am-12.30pm

Domestic Abuse Help-line

A free 24hour help-line has been established across East Derbyshire, allowing victims of domestic abuse to talk to a dedicated worker in confidence day or night.   

Our help-line number is 08000 198668 and can be contacted at any time.   

(For information on the Domestic Violence Forum please see the Domestic Abuse page) 

For further information contact Jacki Gray(Co-ordinator) 07971 126390.

Burglary and Vehicle Crime 

An action group has been set up to tackle each of these crimes across East Derbyshire, and both crimes are decreasing across the Borough.   Dwelling burglary rates fell by 22% in Amber Valleyduring 2004/5, whilst thefts of vehicles decreased by 34% (when compared to 2003/4 figures).   This is a major success, and we hope that by working in Partnership we can reduce the incidence of these crimes even further.  

Racial Harassment

We work jointly with Erewash Community Safety Partnership to tackle racial harassment.   The task group meets regularly to ensure that progress is made to reduce this crime, which has a major impact upon victims.