Woman injured after man in balaclava attempts to steal her dog by cutting its lead in Derbyshire park

Police are asking for help and upping patrols after a woman was injured during an attempted dog theft in a Derbyshire park.
Tim Paget
By Tim Paget
Published 22nd Mar 2021, 17:17 BST
Updated 22nd Mar 2021, 17:42 BST
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The woman was walking her dog in a field next to Greenwich Park, off Nottingham Road, Ripley, when she was allegedly approached by a man who demanded her dog.

It is believed the man tried to cut the lead of the dog, and the woman suffered two cuts to her hand and a cut to her thigh as she tried to stop him.

It is not known what he was using.

Police are upping patrols in a Derbyshire park after an attempted dog theft.Police are upping patrols in a Derbyshire park after an attempted dog theft.
Police are upping patrols in a Derbyshire park after an attempted dog theft.

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He was unsuccessful and was last seen running off across the field, in the direction of the park and main road, after the incident at around 10.10 am yesterday (Sunday, March 21).

The man is described as being aged in his 30s, white and around 5ft 10in.

He had been wearing dark jogging bottoms and a dark jacket with the hood up, gloves and a balaclava.

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Officers would like to hear from anyone who may have been in the area just before, just after, or at the time of the incident, and may have noticed anything suspicious.

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Inspector Paul Stevenson who is in charge of policing in the Amber Valley, said: “The victim was understandably very shaken and distressed following her experience, and we would urge anyone who may have noticed a man matching this description in the area around the time to get in touch.

“We understand that this report may make people feel alarmed, and so officers from our local Safer Neighbourhood policing team are increasing patrols to the area. Please don’t hesitate to speak to them if you have any concerns.”

Insp Stevenson added: “We would also like to reassure residents that reports of dog thefts within Derbyshire do remain low, with two reports throughout the whole of the county where dogs have been stolen while walking with their owners between December 2020 and February 2021.

“However, all reports of this nature will be taken seriously, and I would urge anyone who has been a victim to report it to us as soon as possible.”

Anyone with any information should contact Derbyshire police using the non-emergency 101 number.

Quote 21*157838, and the name of the officer in the case DC Andrew Hatton in any correspondence.