Targeted patrols cut problem behaviour as hotspot policing becomes standard practice

A hotspot policing operation that has delivered more than 20,000 targeted patrols across Derbyshire is now being embedded into everyday policing.

Operation Shango was launched in July 2023 to tackle anti‑social behaviour and crime in areas where we saw high levels of problem behaviour.

The operation used national funding for extra patrols in hotspots for antisocial behaviour saw officers spend tens of thousands of hours on high‑visibility patrols in our communities.

From now on, local officers will carry out daily hotspot patrols as standard practice, guided by Visibeat - a mobile app that identifies priority locations and allows patrols to be logged in real time.

The technology helps to ensure officer time is focused where it will have the greatest impact and provides evidence of activity and outcomes.

The results of the Operation Shango patrols from March 2026 were:

From April 2025 to March 2026, Operation Shango saw 7,101 extra hotspot patrols taking place, totalling 18,402 officer hours. Officers on Shango patrols made 299 arrests, 275 stop searches, logged 910 intelligence items, made 4,672 dispersals and 1,123 crime or incident reports.

Inspector Jack Williamson said: “We know that targeting these patrols is both an efficient and effective way of reducing incidents of antisocial behaviour. In the past 12 months, all ASB hotspots that have seen Shango patrols have seen a decrease in ASB of 14%.

“The natural next stage is to equip local officers with the key information to apply the hotspot policing theory to their local patch, and Visibeat offers an easy way to log this activity.

“We will continue to monitor the impact of these patrols and hotspots across the county. If you’re experiencing issues in your area please report it to us or the appropriate agency as outlined in our ASB Hub.”

For more information about anti-social behaviour and how to report it, please visit the Derbyshire ASB Hub.