Force backs garden centre’s gesture to help crime victim

28 April 2020

The Force has been involved in some community-spirited action which has put a smile back on the face of a 92-year-old woman from Littleover.

Marlies Beresfour was left extremely upset earlier this month when a man allegedly broke into her garden, damaging the gate and smashing several pot plants in the process.

News spread of the incident on social media and staff at Derby Garden Centre in Little Eaton decided to do something about it.

They donated some new plants and pots to Mrs Beresfour and asked officers to collect them and make the delivery.

Sergeant Neil Hopwell said: “Mrs Beresfour clearly enjoys spending time in her garden, which is even more important to her during this time of lockdown. Garden centre staff contacted us to offer their help and we were pleased to be able to make the delivery to Mrs Beresfour.”

A 35-year-old Derby man has been charged with criminal damage and assaulting an emergency services worker, namely a police officer.

Derbyshire Police Federation chair Tony Wetton said: "Our officers are very keen to help the community out whenever we can and this was a lovely gesture from the garden centre."

Pictured is PC Katie Chamberlain, who made the delivery.