Latest Community Safety News

Bid to Beat the Burglars in South Charnwood

A CAMPAIGN has been launched to continue a blitz on burglary in South Charnwood.

Although the number of burglaries has plunged by 32 per cent in Charnwood in the last 12 months, the Charnwood Community Safety Partnership is warning residents not to become complacent.

So an advertising van, emblazoned with the slogan “Lock It or Lose It”, is being deployed around Birstall, Mountsorrel, Syston, Anstey and Thurmaston between June 22-24.

Cllr David Snartt, Chairman of Charnwood Community Safety Partnership which has organised the initiative, said: “The reduction in burglary has been remarkable – but we don’t want to get complacent which is why we’re running this initiative again.

“Not only does the advan message aim to remind residents to lock doors and windows, it also sends a stark warning to burglars that we are keeping them constantly in our sights and they will end up suffering the consequences unless they turn their back on crime. 

“I cannot stress enough how important it is for residents to lock doors and windows behind them, even when they are in, as one in three burglaries happens in this way. Also, use your alarm if you have one and leave a light on when you go out to make it look like someone is in.”

Inspector Duncan Southall, Commander of Charnwood Local Policing Unit, said; “With the warmer weather here it is all too easy to leave windows and doors open or unlocked which makes life very easy for opportunist burglars. 

“I’d urge people to help us by keeping their homes secure and the Advan is a highly visible way of reinforcing that message.”

Residents are reminded to take the following measures to help drive down burglaries:
 
• Lock doors and windows.
• Don’t leave car keys or handbags near doors and windows.
• If you are going away, use a timer to switch lights on and off.
• Don’t open the door to unexpected callers, use a door chain and check them out first.
• If you have an alarm – use it.
• Look out for your neighbours and their property.
• Report ANY suspicious activity to the Police (day or night) on 01162 222 222 or 999.

And the message to criminals:

• Covert and overt Officers and vehicles (including mobile Automatic Number plate Recognition) are actively out looking for you.
• Keep looking over your shoulder – you and your vehicles will be targeted.
• Think twice before coming to Charnwood and committing crime.”

Purse Alarms on Offer to Help Thwart Thieves

FREE purse alarms are being offered to Charnwood residents following a spate of thefts in Loughborough.The small devices, which are attached to purses by a hidden cord, emit a high pitched alarm when the cord is yanked and are designed to scare off would-be crooks while keeping purses and handbags safe.
The alarms are being offered to residents for free by Charnwood Community Safety Partnership after police revealed nine people, aged between 69 and 93, had their purses stolen between September 18 and October 21 in town.
Chairman David Snartt, Charnwood Borough Council's cabinet member for community safety, said: “The community safety partnership has these devices to give away to help people safeguard their property while thwarting thieves at the same time.
“This type of crime is particularly disturbing as it is apparent that cowardly criminals are targeting elderly and vulnerable people.
 “But with the help of these little devices, we can prevent purses from being stolen and our residents from being targeted.”
 Inspector Tim McCabe, Commander of Loughborough Local Policing Unit, said: “We are keen to make sure that people can enjoy shopping in Loughborough without the misery of having their purse stolen. 
 “A purse alarm is a good way of keeping your purse safe and gives shoppers peace of mind as well so I’d recommend picking one up.”
 To reduce the risk of having your purse stolen follow the following advise:

• Never leave a handbag or purse unattended and be aware of your surroundings
• Keep your handbag firmly closed or on your person at all times
• Wear shoulder bags with the opening against your body
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
• Only keep items in your bag that are needed
• Keep your cash card separate from your chequebook.

The purse alarms are available from Charnwood Borough Council’s Communities and Partnerships team. Contact Allison Fadesco for more information on (01509) 634901.

LOUGHBOROUGH WOMEN'S AID OUTREACH SERVICE
The Outreach Service was set up during February 2004 in Charnwood, and in North West Leicestershire in June 2006. We employ two Outreach Workers who are able to support women and men. The aim of this service is to provide information and support to people living in the Borough of Charnwood and the district of North West Leicestershire.
Here are two generic case studies
Case Study 1 Doc March 09 (Word Document, 0.1 Mb)

Case Study 2 March 09 (Word Document, 0.1 Mb)

Reporting

• How to Report a Crime

  Reporting to the Police

• Trading Standards' Rogue Reporting Site

  Leicestershire Trading Standards manage the rogue trader reporting website. Officers are encouraging Charnwood residents to report any business that is engaged in unfair trading practices. All information is treated confidentially and can be left anonymously if required. All information is welcomed but Trading Standards are especially keen to hear about:

  • Car Clocking
  • Cowboy tradesmen
  • Aggressive Selling techniques
  • False claims concerning the business, product or service
  • Counterfeit goods
  • Illegal sales of age restricted products

Information

• Charnwood Community Safety Partnership
• Crime Prevention Advice
• Anti-Social Behaviour
• Discrimination or Harassment
• CCTV Schemes in Charnwood
• How to Contact Community Safety

people think it only happens in adult relationships, but it can happen at

any age. Usually, women and girls are the victims and men and boys are the abusers but it can happen to boys as well. It can also happen in same sex relationships. One study found that 25% of girls and 18% of boys had been physically abused and 75% of girls and 50% of boys had suffered emotional abuse. The study also found that sexual violence happened to one in three girls and one in six of boys.