Rural crime topped the agenda during a visit by Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner Hardyal Dhindsa.

Mr Dhindsa was at Castleton Visitor Centre in Hope Valley on THirsday (17 August) to where he pledged to do more to help rural communities.

He met representatives from the Peak Park Authority, Derbyshire Dales District Council and High Peak Borough Council as well as local PCSO Steve Rogers.

The visit to Castleton, one of the top attractions in the Peak District National Park, was made a part of Mr Dhindsa's tour of every town and village in the county.

It was chosen to raise awareness of the work taking place to keep local people and livelihoods safe.

Recently re-launched initiatives include the popular Derbyshire Alert messaging service to warn residents of live crime threats.

The county also recently unveiled its first dedicated Rural Crime Team to focus on crime and antisocial behaviour in the countryside.

“Castleton Visitor Centre is a hub for so many exciting activities and tourist attractions to be found in the High Peak area," said Mr Dhindsa.

“It’s important that we all help to protect it.

“A lot of work is already underway to ensure our natural heritage is safeguarded for generations to come and much of this relies on our ability to work closely with partners and share information and resources.

“There’s still more to do, however, and we’re always keen to explore new ways to reduce feelings of vulnerability in isolated areas of our county.

“We also want to promote the importance of local people and tourists helping to solve crime by remaining vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity to the police and this is a message we will continue to raise.”