The independent charity Crimestoppers has increased its reward to £3,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a man linked to eight knifepoint robberies across Derbyshire.
The reward, funded anonymously, is available until March 12, 2025, as investigations intensify following a recent robbery in Ashbourne.
The most recent incident occurred at the Co-op on Blenheim Road, Ashbourne, on December 8. At around 10:30 pm, a man stole a significant amount of cash after threatening staff at knifepoint.
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While no one was physically injured, the incident added to the fear caused by the series of robberies that began in October.
Police believe the same suspect is behind seven other robberies in Derby and Ilkeston, with offenders described as wearing different clothing in each incident but maintaining a pattern of using a knife to intimidate shop workers.
A terrifying spree of robberies in Derby
The first three robberies occurred on October 5 in Derby:
•Best One, Roosevelt Avenue: The suspect wore black jogging bottoms and a bright orange hooded top while wielding a small kitchen knife.
•Shop Smart, Reginald Road: Wearing an orange jumper and balaclava, the suspect carried out a robbery in the evening hours.
•Wilmorton Stores, Post Office, London Road: The man was dressed in an orange hooded top, black trousers, and Converse trainers.
The spree continued on October 6 at the Co-op on Lexington Road, where the offender donned a black hooded top, black tracksuit bottoms, and a navy-blue face mask.
On October 14, another Co-op store, this time in Ilkeston, was targeted. The suspect wore a grey coat and navy jacket, among other layers, to conceal his identity.
After a three-week pause, the robber struck twice in Derby on November 6 and 7, targeting T&E Masons Newsagents in Chaddesden and the Co-op on Smalley Drive, Oakwood.
Police call for community support after dangerous robber hit several joints
Chief Inspector Chris Thornhill described the impact on the community as “significant” and appealed for anyone with information to step forward. “We believe there are people in Derbyshire who know who this individual is. Please, come forward before someone gets seriously hurt,” he urged.
Lydia Patsalides, East Midlands Regional Manager at Crimestoppers, echoed the call. “The person responsible for these crimes has no regard for the fear and trauma they’ve caused. If you have information, you can speak to us anonymously. Even the smallest detail could be crucial.”
Statements in full
Chief Inspector Chris Thornhill said: “The impact these offences has had in our community is significant and I am urging anyone with information to come forward.
“I remain convinced that there are people in Derbyshire who know who this person is and that they must come forward before anyone is seriously physically hurt as a result of his actions.
“We have a number of lines of enquiry that we are following after this latest incident – but we really need the public’s help to bring this individual to justice.”
Lydia Patsalides, East Midlands Regional Manager at the charity Crimestoppers, said: “It is clear that the person responsible for these crimes has no thought whatsoever for his victims – subjecting them to what can only be described as a terrifying series of incidents.
“I am sure that there are people out there who have information about this crime and the person responsible and I would urge anyone who has any information to come forward to speak to our charity 100% anonymously, to bring justice to those responsible.
“We know it can be difficult for some people to speak directly to the police which is why Crimestoppers is here for you.
“Our charity is completely independent of the police, and we’ve been passing on information about crime whilst guaranteeing anonymity since we were established decades ago. It’s a promise we have always kept.
“Crimestoppers is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We cannot trace your call or track your IP address. No one will ever know you contacted us. This means no police, no courts, no witness statements. You may think your information is insignificant, however it could make all the difference.”
If you have any information, please contact us using any of the below methods, including reference 24000595055:
How to help police catch the robber and get the reward
Crimestoppers guarantees anonymity and operates 24/7. The public is urged to contact the charity via 0800 555 111 or online at Crimestoppers-uk.org. Reference number 24000595055 should be used when providing information.
Police and Crimestoppers continue to appeal for help to end this spate of robberies and ensure justice is served.
