Police and council leaders met in Swadlincote, Derbyshire, on January 23, 2026, at a Derbyshire Partnership Against Rural Crime (DPARC) meeting chaired by Police and Crime Commissioner Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts to coordinate new prevention efforts targeting rural crime, including fly-tipping, livestock worrying and wildfire risk.
Chaired by Police and Crime Commissioner Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts, the group highlighted several community tools, including the Derbyshire Rural Crime Prevention Hub, an online portal offering advice on protecting property and direct links to the appropriate reporting mechanisms for different types of rural crime.
Local enforcement is already taking action: South Derbyshire District Council seized a Ford Transit Tipper in Swadlincote on January 22, 2026, as part of an ongoing investigation into illegal waste deposition, with support from Derbyshire Police. Officials said they are also monitoring the National Forest area to prevent unauthorised raves and reduce wildfire risks during drier periods.
The Derbyshire Rural Crime Team is tackling livestock worrying — including dog attacks on farm animals — an offence that can lead to seizure of dogs and substantial fines under recent legislative changes. The partnership is also increasing the visibility of rural teams and running a Winter Road Safety campaign focused on drink-driving on rural lanes, while embedding measures to make isolated areas safer for women and girls.
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