Current Issues

Keep in contact with your local Policing Unit 11.8.08

A project that puts your local beat bobby on the end of a telephone line is being piloted in Blaby.

The new Airwaves Telephony Project means members of the public can call their beat officer directly - even when they are walking their patch.

Commander of the Blaby local policing unit, Inspector Mark Chell, said the project aims to build even closer links with the community and improve their satisfaction with the police.

He said: "This project is unique in the fact that if you hear or see anything you want to tell your local beat officer about, you can speak to them directly.

"It will enable them to act on your concerns as soon as you have them.

"We are fully committed to Neighbourhood Policing and improving our
service to you. This is just one of many initiatives our Force is taking part in to help crack down on crime and anti-social behaviour."

To access the system, members of the public living in Blaby can call the normal Leicestershire Constabulary number, 0116 222 2222, and then dial extension 5675.

The system will ask who is calling and invite you to leave a greeting.
The beat officer will then be able to answer the call and speak to you directly if possible.

Insp Chell continued: "This project is being piloted in Blaby and if successful the decision might be made to roll this out across the Force."

Metal Thieves caught. 10.7.08

Three people have been arrested today following a series of police
enforcements to tackle the theft and illegal sale of metal.

Officers from the South and City areas targeted four well known scrap metal dealers and set up road checks around the area as part of Operation Ebony, launched this week.

A 46-year-old man and a 33-year-old man were arrested for possession ofcriminal property and a 50-year-old man was arrested for an outstanding warrant. Three more arrests were made on Monday, two in relation to burglary offences and one for possession of stolen property. They haveall been released on police bail.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Lee of the South area police said: "Wewant to send out a clear message to anyone involved in metal theft that we are cracking down on them.

"The theft of metal has gone on long enough. Theft from church roofs or the theft from vehicles has a massive effect on the community and we want to put a stop to it.

"We are working in partnership with the environment agency, trading
standards and the vehicle and operator service agency (VOSA) to pulltogether the joint powers and experience of these agencies to combat the issue."

Over 50 vehicles have been stopped, searched and checked against the police national computer today. 13 vehicles were seized by VOSA for having defects or being over loaded and these have been given prohibition notices. Customs and excise also found one vehicle to be using red diesel.

Rachel Turnbull, from the Environment Agency said: "Operation Ebony is using the combined experience and intelligence gathered from all of the agencies involved in the operation.

"Working in partnership with the police, trading standards, VOSA and customs and excise gives us a fantastic opportunity to combat the theft of metal."

Our officers are reinforcing the message for anyone who may have
information about the theft of metal, including scrap cars, to contact Leicestershire Constabulary on 0116 222 2222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Metal Thefts 10.7.08

Drink and Drug Driving Horror 2.7.08

Ninety four motorists face a minimum 12 month ban and a fine of up to £5,000 after being caught drink driving during Leicestershire
Constabulary's summer crackdown.

A total of 1,215 drivers were breathalysed during the campaign which ran for the month of June. Eighty five men and nine women were found to be over the alcohol limit. Thirty per cent of those (a total of 28) were under the age of 25.

A further five motorists suspected of drug driving have undergone field impairment tests carried out by specially trained officers in the Force's Road Policing Unit. Driving under the influence of drugs carries the same penalties as drink driving.

Inspector Vivienne Brenchley from Leicestershire Constabulary's Road Policing Unit said: "Although the number of motorists testing positive has fallen from 139 during last summer's campaign, to 94 this summer, it is still disappointing that so many motorists are willing to risk their lives, their job prospects and possibly their freedom by drink driving.

"I hope the 94 motorists who will be losing their licences after being caught during this campaign will serve as a warning to others of the consequences of drink driving.

"Although the summer campaign has come to an end, Leicestershire
Constabulary's zero tolerance attitude to drink and drug driving
continues. Officers will stop and challenge any motorist they believe to be driving under the influence at any time of the day or night.

"If you know a persistent drink or drug driver then please don't
hesitate to contact the police or Crimestoppers, if you wish to pass on information anonymously. Officers will be able to use this information to target offenders and make the roads of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland a safer place."

Last year Leicestershire and Rutland Crimestoppers received 133
anonymous actionable calls in relation to drink drivers. These anonymous calls lead to the police prosecuting over 80 drivers. During this summer's campaign, Crimestoppers received eight calls about persistent drink drivers, which lead to one arrest.

Leicestershire Constabulary is reminding drivers that:

Driving or attempting to drive while above the legal alcohol limit
carries a maximum penalty of six months imprisonment, a fine of up to £5,000 and a minimum 12 months driving ban.
An endorsement for drink driving remains on a driving licence for 11 years, so it will be 11 years before a convicted driver will have a‘clean' licence again.
The penalty for refusing to provide a specimen of breath, blood or urine is a maximum six months imprisonment, up to £5,000 fine and a driving ban of at least 12 months.
Causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison, a maximum two year driving ban and a requirement to pass an extended driving test before the offender is able to drive legally again.
Leicestershire Constabulary is encouraging anyone with information about people who are drinking or driving to report them to police by calling (0116) 222 2222 or Crimestoppers, which is free* and anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

* Please note some mobile ‘phone networks may charge for this call.

Thefts of copper wire from Electricity Sub stations 1.7.08

Leicestershire Constabulary is urging people to be on their guard after a spate of copper wire thefts in June from ten electricity substations in Leicester.

Officers are checking the identification of any person that they
reasonably consider it necessary to challenge in the vicinity of
electricity cables, substations and metal dealers in the county.

PC 4294 Tiffany Lynch said: "Rising prices for copper have led to
increased thefts both nationally and creating a serious problem locally.
The ‘danger of death' signs at sub-stations serve as a serious warning of a very real danger and there have already been fatal incidents in other parts of the country.

"Thieves are not only exposing themselves to the risk of electrocution, they are also leaving these extremely dangerous sites open for children to wander into, with potentially fatal consequences. It poses a serious threat to safety for electricity workers who enter an unsecured station after the thieves have gone.

"We will continue to work with business partners to improve security at substations and target scrap metal dealers to make sure all their transactions are correct.

"We are appealing for dealers to be on their guard and beware of anyone trying to sell them electrical copper wire. We are aware of the ongoing incidents and officers have been briefed to be vigilant during their routine, high visibility activities.

"We are also appealing for information to help us combat this serious crime so if you see any suspicious activity around electric substations, please call the police."

Anyone with information is asked to call PC 4294 Tiffany Lynch on 0116 222 2222, follow the instructions to leave a message for a police officer and when prompted key in the officer's identification number 4294. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers, which is free* and anonymous on 0800 555 111.

*Some mobile phone providers may charge for this call.

An appeal for help with a road traffic Accident in Sapcote 27.6.08

Police are appealing for witnesses to a road traffic collision in
Sapcote.

The incident happened at around 2.30pm on Tuesday, June 24 on the B4669 Hinckley Road at the entrance to Aston Firs.

It involved a Black Suzuki GSXR 750 motorcycle. The male rider of the motorcycle was treated at Walsgrave hospital for minor injuries.

Officers are appealing for anyone who saw the incident take place to contact them.

PC Michael Healy, who is investigating the incident said: "We are keen to speak to the driver of a dark articulated lorry which was travelling in the opposite direction at around the time of the incident.

"We also want to speak to anyone else who was in the area at the time of the collision."

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC 1500 Michael Healy on 0116 222 2222 and follow the instructions to leave a message for an officer. When prompted key in his identification number 1500.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, which is free and anonymous,on 0800 555 111.

*Please note, some mobile phone providers may charge for this call

Issued on 26/06/08 at 10:50
Crime reference number: OIS 418 24/6/08

Warning following burglaries in the Narborough Area 25.6.08

Blaby officers are issuing a warning to homeowners after a spate of
burglaries in Narborough.

In the last three months there have been 14 burglaries in the area.

Sergeant John Weston of Blaby local policing unit (LPU) said: "Most of these incidents have occurred between the hours of 6am to 4pm when the owners are out of the house.

"We are urging people living in the area to review their security and make sure doors and windows are always left secure, especially now the weather is getting warmer.

"Please help your neighbours by keeping an eye on their property and let them know if you are going away overnight or on holiday. If you see anyone acting suspiciously please report it to the police immediately."

Commander of Blaby LPU, Insp Mark Chell, said: "This is being treated as a high priority and police patrols will be targeting the area in order to identify and arrest the offender."

The police are offering these home security tips:

Fit mortise locks or bolts to all outside doors, and locks to all
downstairs and easily accessible windows
Try not to leave valuable items like your TV, hi-fi, video or DVD where thieves can see them.
Mark belongings visibly and permanently with your postcode and house number.
Keep a list of the make, model and serial number of these items and take photos of any valuable.

Most burglars get in through a back door or window. Make it difficult for them by locking all side or back gates and adding trellis to the top of walls and fences
Fit lights that come on at night to cover the sides and back of your house.
Put all your tools away so they cannot be used to break into your house and lock your garage and shed with proper security locks.
Blaby Police Station has a supply of security devices that can be bought at reasonable prices and crime reduction officer Steve Day will always to be happy to give you advice on securing your property.

Anyone with information about burglaries in the Blaby area is asked to contact Sgt John Weston at Blaby local policing unit on 0116 222 2222,
follow the instructions to leave a message for a police officer and when prompted key in the officer's identification number 6417. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers, which is free* and anonymous on 0800 555 111.

* Please note, some mobile phone service providers may charge for this
call.