No police visit for house burglary victims in Derbyshire

Derbyshire Police’s policy on house burglary was revealed after a resident had £3,500 of property stolen from his home on December 23 – but was not even visited by a police officer after the crime.

Victim Derek Brower, of Carlisle Grove, Buxton, said: “We were puzzled that Derbyshire police didn’t even bother to come out and see us. They closed the case on the phone too. It’s pathetic.”

When we quizzed Derbyshire Police on Mr Brower’s case, a spokesperson confirmed the break-in had been dealt with by way of ‘telephone resolution’ – a new policy to streamline police resources.

Explaining the telephone resolution policy, a Derbyshire Police spokesperson said: “Police in Derbyshire are changing the way minor crimes are dealt with to allow resources to be used more effectively for more serious offences.

“Specially trained call handlers will thoroughly assess each crime reported to police and minor incidents that do not require police attendance will now be dealt with over the phone.

“Officers will be sent out to visit victims of minor crimes if certain criteria are met and it would benefit the investigation.

“This will allow officers to be deployed more effectively so they can spend more time investigating more serious offences.”

BUT WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE POLICY? Does Mr Brower’s situation sound familiar to something you – or someone you know – has been through?

Please let us know your opinions and share your stories by emailing [email protected], tweeting to @D_Times or joining the conversation on our Facebook page.

For the full story, see Thursday’s paper.