Issue 1: April 2020
COVID-19: A message from the Chief Constable
To the residents of Oadby and Wigston The police have been given new powers to help keep people safe. As your Chief Constable I would like to make a pledge to you. In return, I ask for your support. Every day and night my officers and staff go above and beyond to protect our communities.
Every officer at Leicestershire Police knows this as our duty - to protect the people and deal with those who cause harm. We do this by engaging with our communities, explaining and problem solving, and enforcing the law through action when we must. In this force’s 180 year history we have never faced a challenge like this. I pledge that my officers will continue to exercise our duty, as we have always done. We will protect you. We will engage positively. We will explain. We will be there when you need help - and we will take action to pro- tect you and others from harm.
We are aware of scams relating to Coronavirus across the country. We haven’t been notified of any in Leicestershire, but it is happening elsewhere. One of the scams is people coming to the door and offering to test for Coronavirus. This is a scam. Those claiming they can carry out tests on your doorstep are lying. Do not let them into your house and do not pay them.
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Warm welcome to your new commander - Inspector Siobhan Gorman
In early March, Leicestershire Police implemented a new policing model - Inspector Siobhan Gorman is now commander of Wigston, Oadby and Har- borough NPA. Inspector Gorman joined Leicestershire Police in 2002 as a patrol officer based at Charles St Police Station. She has worked in a variety of roles during her career, including response, investigation and proactive policing. She said: “I have a dedicated team of officers and volunteers who want to deliver the best we can to ensure the people of Harborough, Lutterworth, Broughton Astley, Oadby and Wigston and all the villages feel safe, listened to and involved.” The changes the new policing model will bring can only be beneficial In- spector Gorman added: “It will provide more visibility in our neighbourhoods and as more officers will be based locally there will be less travelling time- resulting in better response times. I see this as a rejuvenation of the way we work.”
Also introducing: PCSOs Harkit Sanghera and Geoff Smith to South WIgston
Harkit said: “I joined Leicestershire Police as a PCSO in July2008. I was based at Syston police station, until it’s closure a couple of years ago and was then relocated to Lough- borough. I have been the PCSO for Thurmaston since my appointment, and was given the responsibility to also manage some of the neighbouring villages. I transferred to Wigston station on 11 March 2020 and am now part of the team in South Wigston. I aim to provide a visible presence and reassurance to the communities, discuss concerns, and try to prevent and detect crime & antisocial Behaviour .
Geoff said: “I joined the police in 2003 and in 2005 became a PCSO. Originally I was based at Welford Road station but in 2016 I transferred to Wigston. I previously covered Clarendon Park and Knighton beats and last month moved to South Wigston along with Harkit. I generally use a shiny white police push bike as a form of transport so if you do see me around the area, please stop and speak to me. I am keen to help with any issues or concerns you might have in relation to living or working in the South Wigston area.
Our job is to protect people and communities, particularly the vulnerable, and we will continue to do so. Please only contact us when you need to. Report any incidents or crime online www.leics.police.uk/ reportonline or on 101 for non-emergencies. Only use 999 in an emergency. Help us to help you; use common sense, keep our lines clear for those who really need us and follow the latest Government advice.
Beat surgeries
In line with government advice on Coronavirus, we have postponed our community consultations and beat meetings. Our officers will continue to be active in your community. We will re-arrange events as soon as we can. Remember you can always report crime online or telephone 101.
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