£1,000 Reward for Knifepoint Robbery Info in Derby and Ilkeston
A dangerous crook has been hitting shops across Derby and Ilkeston with a knife, stealing cash but thankfully causing no injuries. Now, Crimestoppers has stepped in, offering a £1,000 reward for any information leading to the suspect’s arrest.
Police Ramp Up Patrols Amid Growing Fear
Chief Inspector Chris Thornhill of Derbyshire Constabulary warned: “These offences have understandably caused concern, and detectives are chasing multiple leads to catch the man responsible. We believe people out there know who he is – it’s time to come forward.”
Derbyshire Police have boosted patrols with both uniformed and plainclothes officers, including armed units, focusing on the hit spots.
Robbery Spree: The Timeline & Suspect Descriptions
The spree kicked off on October 5 in Derby with three robberies:
- Best One, Roosevelt Avenue (6:00 p.m. – 6:26 p.m.)
- Suspect wore black jogging bottoms, an orange hooded top, wielded a small kitchen knife.
- Shop Smart, Reginald Road (7:45 p.m. – 8:31 p.m.)
- Suspect dressed in an orange jumper and balaclava.
- Wilmorton Stores Post Office, London Road (9:32 p.m.)
- Bright orange hooded top, black trousers, blue & white Converse trainers, grey glove on left hand.
Next day, October 6, another robbery hit the Co-op on Lexington Road (9:47 p.m. – 10:26 p.m.) where the suspect wore a black hooded top, tracksuit bottoms, white and black Nike trainers, and navy-blue face mask.
On October 14, it was the turn of the Co-op, Summerfields Way South, Ilkeston (9:50 p.m. – 10:03 p.m.) with the suspect seen wearing a grey coat, navy jacket, white cap, black trousers, black shoes, face covering, and gloves.
After a pause, two more robberies hit Derby this November:
- T&E Masons Newsagents, Lime Grove, Chaddesden (Nov 6, 4:40 p.m.)
- Black jacket over navy hoody, white cap, black tracksuit trousers, black trainers, snood covering face.
- Co-op, Smalley Drive, Oakwood (Nov 7, 9:58 p.m. – 10:04 p.m.)
- Dark joggers, grey jacket with navy hood, dark cap, face covering.
Help Police Nab This Knife-Wielding Scoundrel
Derbyshire Police urge anyone who witnessed these robberies or has CCTV or dashcam footage to come forward. Quote case number 24000595055 when contacting.
Contact Derbyshire Constabulary via:
- Their official website
- Private message on their Facebook page
- Direct message on X (Twitter) @DerPolContact
- Call 101
For anonymous tips, ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit their website.
