Police Matters

METAL THEFT ENFORCEMENT DAY

The local Police have held a day of enforcement around the county as part of an ongoing operation to tackle the theft of metal and cable.

As part of Operation Ebony, officers have been working closely in partnership with the Environment Agency, Trading Standards and the Vehicle and Operator Service Agency to pull together the joint powers and experience of these agencies to combat metal theft.

The theft of metal and electrical cable has a significant impact on local communities and can impact on the local travel infrastructure with thefts from the rail network and electrical sub-stations. Leicestershire Constabulary is determined to put a stop to it, but need information relating to suspicious activity involving scrap metal or large quantities of electrical cabling.

Do you know someone who has started stockpiling scrap metal/cables?

Do you know someone who is handling scrap metal / scrap cars?

Have you seen suspicious activity where metal products are being moved / stripped?

The Police effort focused on scrap metal dealers and those individuals who are suspected of supplying them with stolen items and forms part of a national campaign to combat what is an international problem.

The Police are using the combined experience and intelligence gathered from all of the agencies involved in the operation, as well as the latest policing technology, to track down and arrest offenders.

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.

POLICE NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWSLETTER

DON'T ALLOW THE BURGLARS IN

POLICE ADVICE

1. Do report promptly travellers caravans which arrive unexpectedly on private land.
2. Do keep a watchful eye out for white scribbled signs on the ground/gatepost near your house (could be travellers).
3. Keep an eye out for a recently stolen “Claude Butler” RED Mountain Bike.
4. Do Keep an eye out for a known offenders Maroon Volvo (old estate) reg no J170EEE and report if seen.
5. Do report any visual signs of fly tipping. Recent tip off resulted in tip found in a wood near Great Casterton - tipper identified and Environmental Health alerted to visit.

Distraction Burglaries

There have been a high number of distraction burglaries over the last few weeks and despite efforts to raise awareness of such incidents they are still occurring on a regular basis. The Leicestershire Police would like to remind everyone that they should be on their guard against such callers. Genuine visitors will be happy to wait until their identify has been verified before being allowed entry - this does not mean that if they show you an identity card you should let them in. If you are not expecting someone ask them to put their ID card through the letterbox and contact the company with a contact number you have already, not the one on the card in case it is false. Then ask the company to verify that they have someone of that name working in that area at that time. Never allow anyone entry if they say that they are from the 'Waterboard' and never be panicked into letting people into the house. If they say something like 'we need to stop a flood at a neighbours' you should be suspicious. Utility companies usually offer a free password protection scheme for those who live on their own or would like greater security this is a good way of ensuring only genuine callers gain access to your home.
Contact your utility providers for further details.

Only today, 9th October, a male went to the door of an address in Morcott claiming to be from the waterboard. He was refused entry by the occupant then another male came to the door purporting to be from the police stating that there have been a number of burglaries in the area. The male then pushed his way into the house and stole the occupants handbag.

Both males were described as white. One large build wearing dark trousers and a white shirt. The other younger – teens/early twenties with dark hair and appeared smart.

Also today, a vehicle was used in connection with a distraction burglary in the Uppingham area. The vehicle is suspected of being involved in other crime across the county.

The suspect vehicle in question is described as a silver or grey new shape mini with a distinctive "V" shaped chevron on the bonnet. The registration number of the vehicle is similar to FG 56 FXV.

If this vehicle is seen, do not approach, but please call the police immediately on 999.

For further crime reduction advice please contact Julie Bellamie on 0116 222 22 22 ext 4760 or leave me an e-mail at julie.bellamy@leicestershire.pnn.police.uk

Police Neighbourhood Priorities

The Leicestershire Police would like you to tell them what issues you think police and partner agencies should be focusing on in your area. Please include details of things that are a cause for concern in your neighbourhood, including when and where the problem occurs. Open the from via the link.

Burglary Warning

There have been a number of distraction burglaries across the force area involving elderly victims. They have managed to gain entry to several homes and have in most cases been able to get away with significant amounts of cash and other valuables.

The police urge all to be vigilant and wary of any unexpected callers. If someone you don’t know arrives on your doorstep please treat the caller as suspicious and call the police immediately on 999.

Neighbourhood Beat Newsletter

Call 101

A new number to call - 101

Dial 999 when there is an immediate danger or you witness a crime taking place.

For all other non-emergency police enquiries we would previously have requested that you dial on 0116 222 22 22. But now you can also dial 101, a new confidential 24-hour number provided by your local police and your local council, where you can report seven core issues where a 999 call is not required. This single non-emergency number is now being trialled in Leicester City Centre and Rutland.

The seven core categories which can be reported via 101 are:

• Vandalism & graffiti
• Noisy neighbours & loud parties
• Threatening & abusive behaviour
• Abandoned vehicles, dumping & fly tipping
• Drunk & rowdy groups
• Drug related anti-social behaviour
• Broken street lighting

You will speak to one of the highly trained team who will report the problem and give you a case number so you can track its progress.

For all other non-emergency incidents please don't forget to use 0116 222 2222.