A £1,000 reward is being offered by Crimestoppers for information on a spate of knifepoint robberies that have occurred in shops across Derby and Ilkeston in recent weeks. The robberies, involving a suspect armed with a knife, have so far resulted in significant cash thefts but no physical injuries.
Chief Inspector Chris Thornhill of Derbyshire Constabulary expressed concern over the recent incidents, saying, “These offences have understandably caused concern, and a team of detectives are following a number of lines of inquiry to bring the man responsible to justice. I know there are people in the community who know who this man is – and they know that the right thing to do is to come forward.”
Derbyshire Police have increased both uniformed and plainclothes patrols, including armed response officers, in targeted areas.
Incident Timeline and Descriptions
The first three robberies took place on October 5 in Derby:
- Best One, Roosevelt Avenue, Derby, between 6:00 p.m. and 6:26 p.m.
- Suspect description: Black jogging bottoms, orange hooded top, small kitchen knife.
- Shop Smart, Reginald Road, Derby, between 7:45 p.m. and 8:31 p.m.
- Suspect description: Orange jumper, balaclava.
- Wilmorton Stores Post Office, London Road, Derby, at 9:32 p.m.
- Suspect description: Bright orange hooded top, black trousers, blue and white Converse trainers, grey glove on the left hand.
On October 6, another robbery occurred at Co-op, Lexington Road, Derby, between 9:47 p.m. and 10:26 p.m.
- Suspect description: Black hooded top, black tracksuit bottoms, white and black Nike trainers, navy-blue face mask.
The fifth robbery happened on October 14 at a Co-op in Summerfields Way South, Ilkeston, between 9:50 p.m. and 10:03 p.m.
- Suspect description: Grey coat, navy jacket, white cap, black trousers, black shoes, face covering, and gloves.
After a three-week hiatus, two more incidents took place this week in Derby:
- T&E Masons Newsagents, Lime Grove, Chaddesden, on November 6 at 4:40 p.m.
- Suspect description: Black jacket over navy hoody, white cap, black tracksuit trousers, black trainers, face covered with a snood.
- Co-op, Smalley Drive, Oakwood, Derby, on November 7 between 9:58 p.m. and 10:04 p.m.
- Suspect description: Dark joggers, grey jacket with navy hood, dark cap, face covering.
Appeal for Information
Police are seeking any information from witnesses, individuals in the vicinity during these incidents, or those with CCTV or dashcam footage. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Derbyshire Constabulary, referencing case number 24000595055.
Contact methods include:
- Website: Use the online contact form on the Derbyshire Constabulary website
- Facebook: Send a private message to the Derbyshire Constabulary Facebook page
- X (Twitter): Direct message @DerPolContact
- Phone: Call 101
For anonymous tips, contact Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 or via their website.
