Crime out of Loughborough (COOL)

COOL is a partnership between the Police, Charnwood Borough Council and the business community. Its aim is to get rid of the persistent lifestyle criminals who make life miserable for people who live, visit and work in Loughborough town centre. Its objective is to provide a safe and non-threatening environment for staff and customers by reducing crime and disorder, and the fear of crime.

The basis of the scheme is information sharing. All members are given a file of photographs and intelligence on known criminals. Members can then watch out for known thieves and individuals carrying out criminal activity in Loughborough. Members also have a radio which links them not only to other members but the CCTV controller, Police and Community Safety Officers therefore ensuring instant help in managing incidents in the town.

Exclusion notices have been served on prolific offenders, who are then banned from entering all members’ premises. Members display a door sticker so that excluded persons know which shops they are banned from. The message to these criminals is clear - ‘You are not welcome in Loughborough’

Membership of COOL costs just £75.00 per year for smaller independent businesses and £150.00 for larger multiples.

Tel: 01509 634746
email:info@loughboroughtowncentre.com

In the News - Crimefighting Award for Security Guard

An eagle eyed security guard has won a prestigious award for helping police drive crime out of Loughborough Town Centre.

Rob Fuller, who works for Tyler's in Loughborough, is the latest recipient of the Crime & Safety Award handed out by Crime Out Of Loughborough (COOL), the security arm of Loughborough Town Centre Partnership.

Rob, 48, won the award for helping police collar shoplifters thanks to his incredible eye for detail and accurate descriptions of suspects. Over the last 14 years as a security guard in Loughborough, Rob has helped collar more than 700 suspects.

Rob said: "I was very pleased but surprised to receive the award. I was very proud because I have been nominated by several other people. The best result in the last 12 months was helping police arrest a prolific purse and bag thief. I had dealings with this suspect a few years ago and I recognised her and told the police who detained her. I used to be in the Army and had to have an eye for detail so I think it comes from that and I seem to have a good memory."

PC Hannah Briggs, Loughborough Town Centre beat bobby, said: "My involvement with Rob has always been positive. He is highly dedicated and enthusiastic in his role. He has an amazing capacity for retaining information. he never forgets a face and never misses a trick! Recently he identified a prolific purse thief who we suspected had been committing offences in the town for several weeks. He identified her following dealings he had with her in his previous role at Boots, years before. This identification led to the charge, remand in court and an immediate recall to prison of the offender for a sentence of 36 weeks. This is a fantastic result and we have a lot to thank Rob for!"

Councillor David Snartt, Charnwood Borough Council's Cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services and Chairman of the Charnwood Community Safety Partnership, said: "This is fantastic recognition for someone who plays a vital role in tackling crime and making our Borough safe for residents, visitors and shoppers".

Mike Tyler, owner of Tyler's in Loughborough and Chairman of COOL, said: "I am very pleased that Rob has been nominated for this award.  I have worked with Rob for many years and have always been impressed with his ability to identify possible offenders. We found the need for a full time security guard with the increased value of our stock and desirable products. After some negotiotion I managed to offer him a full time position within our busy store. Once again well done Rob! Keep up the good work".