Leicester & Leicestershire

WATCH WORD For Leicester & Leicestershire Newsletter of CITY & COUNTY NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH – (LEICESTER & LEICESTERSHIRE) Working in SUPPORT of LEICESTERSHIRE POLICE. Charity No. 1072275 Issue 43/2016 The City & County Neighbourhood Watch is here to represent the concerns of members and their families. We operate entirely outside the police chain of command, so we can always promise an independent and confidential service Working in SUPPORT of LEICESTERSHIRE POLICE CITY & COUNTY NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH (LEICESTER & LEICESTERSHIRE)

SAVE THE DATE! - THURSDAY 7 TH SEPTEMBER 2017 - 7.30pm

CITY & COUNTY NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

MEMBERS YEARLY MEETING

ST THOMAS MORE CHURCH HALL

Have you visited City and County Neighbourhood Watch (Leicester & Leicestershire) Website recently? www.neighbourhoodwatchleicester.net Keep up to date with the latest news: Number of articles (as at 31 Oct 2016) LOCAL NEWS – Blaby District: 93 – Charnwood Borough: 218 – Harborough District: 167 - Hinckley & Bosworth Borough: 209 - Leicester City: 999 – Leicestershire County: 227 – Melton Borough: 96 – North West Leicestershire District: 263 – Oadby & Wigston Borough: 114 – Rutland County: 22 EAST MIDLANDS NEWS – Derbyshire: 2,340 – Lincolnshire: 1,013 – Northamptonshire: 1,402 – Nottinghamshire: 803

CARD DEFENDERS

As contactless cards have become more common across the UK so too have incidents of Electronic Pickpocketing, with criminals using handheld card readers to 'skim' payment details and sensitive information without the victim realising.

The Card Defender is an intelligent card sleeve holder that contains RFID blocking technology that prevents cards from being read, combatting incidents of Electronic Pickpocketing, Card Fraud and Identity Theft. Available from City & County Neighbourhood Watch Association (Leicester & Leicestershire) for the price of a stamped addressed envelope. Please send your stamped Addressed Envelope for a maximum order of three Card Defenders to CCNWA, 36b Oxford Road, Leicester, LE2 1TN

LEICESTERSHIRE POLICE

Celebrating Diwali Day

Diwali Day celebrations

Download high resolution image

Issued on 30/10/16 at 8:29 p.m.

Leicester’s ‘Golden Mile,’ on Belgrave Road was the centre of attention this evening (Sunday 30 October) with thousands of people celebrating Diwali Day.

Today’s events began at the Diwali Village on Cossington Street Recreation Ground from 3pm. The village stage offered visitors the chance to experience traditional performances, presented by the Leicester Hindu Festival Council.

Officers and volunteers were also on hand, giving out crime prevention advice to those passing by the force’s beat bus. The celebrations ended just after an aerial display of fireworks were let off over Belgrave Road.

Leicestershire Police’s Chief Constable, Simon Cole who was involved in today's events said:

" Diwali celebrations in Leicester are some of the biggest outside of India and this year it appears to have been busier than ever.

" Belgrave Road’s ‘Golden Mile’ is transformed by light and thousands of people celebrate the triumph of good over evil, by reciting prayers and sharing gifts.

" It is a vibrant festival marking an important date in the Hindu, Sikh and Jain religious calendar – the start of a prosperous New Year. It is good to see everyone celebrating safely."

Police and Crime Commissioner, Lord Willy Bach, said:

“I was so pleased to be part of today’s festivities and to see so many people coming together to enjoy the array of events on offer. " Leicester’s fabulous Diwali celebrations are the biggest in the country, highlighting not only the vitality of this wonderfully diverse city but the strong and positive relationships that bridge our communities."

View the coverage on Facebook and Twitter

For more advice on how to celebrate safely please visit Celebrate Safely

65 knives handed in during first week of amnesty

Some of the knives handed in during the first week of the amnesty

Issued on 28/10/16 at 6:41 p.m.

Leicestershire Police have had 65 knives surrendered during the first week of their #LivesNotKnives amnesty.

Amnesty bins have been placed in six stations across the city and weapons ranging from common kitchen knives through to machetes have been handed in since the amnesty launched last Thursday (20 October).

Chief Superintendent Andy Lee, Commander for the Local Policing Directorate said: “The first week of the amnesty has seen 65 knives handed in; that's 65 weapons off our streets which can no longer be used to cause harm.

“We know that there are many reasons why people may carry a knife, including for status or protection. However, carrying a knife puts you at greater risk of being seriously injured or killed.

“The amnesty will continue until 17 November and is your chance to hand in unlawful weapons and be free from the fear you could be putting lives at risk. If you know a friend or family member carries a knife, please urge them to surrender it as part of the amnesty.

“We will take a robust approach to anyone found to be illegally in possession of a knife or bladed article on the streets of Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland.”

The four week amnesty is part of the #LivesNotKnives campaign which aims to reduce the number of knife- related offences in the city, to educate and inform young people of the dangers of carrying knives, and to bring offenders to justice.

Amnesty bins can be found at the following police stations: • Mansfield House • Beaumont Leys • Braunstone • Spinney Hill • Keyham Lane • Hinckley Road

Knife arches are also being used in city centre locations to check for anyone carrying a bladed weapon.

For information on the #LivesNotKnives campaign or advice on knife crime, please visit leics.police.uk/knife- crime

Leicestershire Police staff member presented with Leicester Hero Award

Issued on 27/10/16 at 9:07 a.m.

Leicestershire Police Investigator, Rebecca Spilane, has received a Leicester Hero Award for her charity work providing assistance to refugees in France and across Europe.

She was presented with the Leicester Hero award On Tuesday 25 October 2016, at a ceremony hosted by the University of Leicester in collaboration with The Rik Basra Leukaemia Campaign.

Rebecca works with several charities that help refugees across Europe, including Le Solidarity, and most recently ‘Bras not Bombs’ which has been collecting underwear to be sent to women refugees.

On receiving the award Rebecca said:

“I am delighted to accept this award on behalf of everyone who is involved with the charities and causes I support. This could not have happened without those who have donated, shared the message and campaigned alongside the charities”.

“I became interested when the refugee crisis hit the headlines last year, and I have witnessed at first hand the situation when I visited camps in France. I am currently working with the Leicester charity Le Solidarity to arrange for a container to be sent to a Lebanon refugee camp at the end of November.

“Last winter, many children died from the below freezing temperatures they were living in. In order to reduce the chances of that happening again, we are collecting winter coats, jumpers, hats, gloves and blankets so that they can be warm and get through the winter.”

Detective Inspector Mark Ringrose, Rebecca's manager said: “Rebecca is passionate about the causes she supports and has worked hard in her own time to help others.

“I have been impressed by her energy and enthusiasm and desire to make a difference. I am delighted that she has won, she is without a doubt a Leicester Hero.”

The ceremony followed a ‘Heroes Day’ when a record-breaking 1,406 people aged between 16 and 30 registered as stem cell donors with the Anthony Nolan register.

Five years ago Rik Basra, a former Leicestershire Police officer, was battling with leukaemia when a matching donor from Germany was found. Following his recovery he set up The Rik Basra Leukaemia Campaign and devoted his life to increasing the number of people signed up as stem cell donors on the Anthony Nolan register.

To find out more about The Rik Basra Campaign, visit: www.rikbasra.com

Visit this link to find out more about the work of Bras Not Bombs: Bras not Bombs

You can find out more information about Le Solidarity by visiting this link: Le Solidarity

Government urges people in Leicestershire to #ThinkRandom to protect themselves from identity fraud

Issued on 26/10/16 at 3:33 p.m.

The latest government statistics from Ipsos MORI show that only 33% of people in the East Midlands are following the Government’s latest advice to use strong passwords made up of three random words. According to the National Cyber Security Centre this is one the most important actions people can take to protect themselves online.

Cybercrime is a growing national issue and according to figures from the Office of National Statistics an estimated two million cybercrime offences were committed last year. A weak password can allow hackers to gain access to all personal accounts, leaving individuals vulnerable to identity theft or fraud.

The Government’s cyber security campaign, Cyber Aware, is urging people and businesses in Leicestershire to #ThinkRandom when it comes to creating strong passwords.

A spokesperson from the National Cyber Security Centre said, “Our research shows that the best way to make a password memorable and strong is to use three random words. It doesn't matter what inspires you - from watching sport to going out for a bite to eat, thinking random is the best way to keep yourself secure online. Your most important accounts are your email, social media and online banking accounts, so it’s important to use strong passwords for each of these”.

With 25% of people in the East Midlands saying they have shared their passwords with other people, Cyber Aware is also reminding people to keep their passwords secret. Paul Wenlock, Head of the Economic Crime Unit at Leicestershire Police said, “Three quarters of all online crime is preventable. By using strong passwords, installing anti-virus software on their computers, tablets and phones and downloading software security updates when issued, people can make life difficult for online fraudsters.

“By taking care of your personal information, thinking about what you are posting on social media and following these three simple steps you can protect yourself online.”

Samantha Hancock, Cyber Protect Officer for Leicestershire Police said “Protecting your information in the cyber world by creating additional layers of security through strong varied passwords and exercising caution online should be just as important as putting in place measures to protect physical assets such as good quality locks and alarms on our property”.

Security Minister, Ben Wallace said “Tackling cybercrime not only requires a concerted response from law enforcement and Government but also vigilance from members of the public. While the Government will invest £1.9 billion in cyber security over the next years, we can all make a difference and protect ourselves from cyber crime by taking some very simple steps, such as using three random words to create a strong password”.

Lynn Farrar, Chair of Neighbourhood Watch said, “It’s increasingly important to protect yourself against cybercrime. We are all at risk and we're keen to encourage as many people as possible to #ThinkRandom and use strong passwords made up of three random words. It’s such an easy way to protect yourself, your family and your community, against hackers who are looking to steal your identity and commit cybercrimes".

Danny Lawrence, National Police Chiefs’ Council PROTECT Co-ordinator for Cyber Crime said, “The majority of people do not realise how important something as simple as a strong password can be, particularly for email accounts which are the gateway to all your personal accounts. Being a victim of a cybercrime will affect your life in a very real way and small actions like the Cyber Aware campaign is suggesting can make a big difference to protecting yourself online".

The Cyber Aware campaign (formerly Cyber Streetwise) is funded by the National Cyber Security Programme (NCSP) and was launched in 2014 with the objective of providing individuals and small businesses with the knowledge to take control of their cyber security and help protect themselves from cyber criminals.

Cybercrime is a serious threat to the UK and the Government is taking action to increase public awareness of the risk. The Government will invest £1.9 billion to significantly transform the UK’s cyber security. NCSP will support the aims of the 2016 National Cyber Security Strategy over the next five years. In addition to providing guidance, the NCSC will actively protect the UK from a range of cyber threats and will coordinate responses to cyber security incidents.

Visit cyberaware.gov.uk to learn about the simple steps to stay cyber secure.

‘Lock up and light up’ this winter

Issued on 26/10/16 at 1:41 p.m. As the clocks go back and the nights draw in, Leicestershire Police reminds you to ‘Lock up and light up’ this winter.

The ‘Darker nights’ campaign aims to help prevent an increase in burglaries over the winter months by reminding residents to lock their homes and encouraging them to leave a light on, giving the appearance that someone is home.

The winter nights can make it easier for burglars to hide in darkness and for unoccupied and unlit houses easier to spot. The force traditionally sees a seasonal rise in burglaries after the clocks go back in October, with offences rising through December and January and falling back to normal levels by around March.

Leicestershire Police’s lead for burglary, Detective Inspector Lee Ferguson said:

“When the clocks go back by an hour this Sunday 30 October and the nights draw in earlier, we find that homes are often left unoccupied and left in darkness for longer periods of time. This can make them more vulnerable to burglary.

“Our ‘Darker nights’ campaign encourages you to take some simple inexpensive precautions to help protect your home and your belongings. As well as reminding you to lock all the windows and doors before you leave, it also encourages you to leave a light on when you go out or use an automatic light timer to give the appearance that you are home.

“If you notice that your neighbour’s house is in darkness, encourage them to leave a light on too.

“Unfortunately many people only tend to think about their home security after becoming a victim of burglary. We hope this campaign can get people to think about their home security before it’s too late – we may be turning the clocks back this weekend but you can’t turn back time if your home is burgled.”

Police are encouraging residents to buy a light timer as the cost is minimal compared to the financial and emotional cost of replacing items after a burglary. You can purchase light timers at most DIY stores.

The ‘Darker nights’ campaign also focuses on businesses. With most store break-ins occurring at night, the darker nights provide burglars with more opportunity to break into businesses.

Leicestershire Police’s lead for commercial burglaries Detective Inspector Helen Fletcher said:

“Longer, darker evenings allow the burglar more time to break into businesses when they are closed. They often use the darkness to conceal themselves.

“We are also encouraging businesses to ‘lock up and light up’. Outdoor lighting can act as a deterrent to burglars because they will be seen more easily. It’s a good idea to floodlight passageways and all entrances to buildings.

“Indoor lighting is just as important. When a business leaves lights on, it makes it easier for others to see burglars moving around the building. When stores have good internal lighting and shop window displays that are arranged so anyone can see into the store, it is off putting for the burglar.

“Having your business burgled is costly, and a huge inconvenience. We hope that the ‘Darker nights’ campaign will encourage businesses to take steps to reduce their risk of being burgled.”

Advice for businesses:

 carry out regular general security checks of the premises  fit suitable locks and remember to lock all windows and doors  use adequate indoor and outside lighting  arrange shop displays so that people can see right into the store  use burglar resistant glass windows or fit permanent items such as window grills or roller shutters  fit a secure store safe  use good quality CCTV system  fit an intruder alarm, preferably with a personal attack facility

Advice for residents:

 keep doors and windows locked at all times – even if you pop outside to the garden or go upstairs  always lock doors behind you and remove the key from the lock  make sure your home looks occupied by using automatic timer switches to turn on a light when it goes dark, even if you are just out for a couple of hours  keep valuables, bags, cash and keys out of sight and keep them in a safe place  don’t leave packaging from expensive items outside your house – take it to be recycled or put them in the bin  install a visible alarm system and security lighting to act as a deterrent  prevent easy access to the back and sides of your home with locked gates or fencing  if you’re going away, don’t advertise it on social media  ask a neighbour or relative if they could collect post and open and close curtains while you are away  register your belongings with www.immobilise.com

For further information on how to protect your home or business from burglars visit www.leics.police.uk/darkernights or follow #lockuplightup on Twitter.

Warning issued after scam cons victims out of thousands of pounds

Issued on 25/10/16 at 2:53 p.m.

Two elderly people have been scammed out of thousands of pounds – don’t be the next victim.

In both cases the offenders phoned the victim’s purporting to be a police officer who tells them their bank accounts have been fraudulently used. The caller tells them to go to their bank and withdraw all of their money, organising a taxi for them to get to a branch.

Once the victim has withdrawn the cash the caller tells them to seal it in an envelope and asks them for a password, and a courier comes to pick up the money.

Detective Constable Julia Newton said: “We are aware of two incidents in Loughborough on 11 and 21 October, and believe there could be more victims who have not come forward and reported it to us.

“If you have elderly relatives, neighbours or friends, please speak to them about this scam – make them aware of the dangers and what they can do to protect themselves.

“Genuine callers will be happy to verify their credentials and will not mind you asking to call them back while you phone their supposed employer to seek assurance.”

Trauma surgeon backs #LivesNotKnives Download high resolution image

Issued on 25/10/16 at 2:50 p.m.

A leading trauma surgeon is backing #LivesNotKnives – Leicestershire Police's campaign to combat knife crime in the city.

Ben Olivere, Major Trauma Surgeon at Queens Medical Centre in Nottingham, is now pledging his support to the campaign.

He treats stab victims from across the East Midlands and has first-hand experience of how devastating and debilitating knife-related injuries can be.

He said: “We see victims from across the East Midlands each week but unfortunately there are also those that never make it to us.

“Often stab wounds are fatal and by the time the ambulance arrives it is too late.

“Many of the victims I see have horrific injuries which have been inflicted with the intention of seriously hurting someone. I’ve seen victims with stab wounds to their eyes or buttocks, and a case where someone was so brutally attacked the knife went all the way through their chest.

“People who carry knives don’t think about the consequences. If a victim survives, they can be left with a lifelong disability. Life will never be the same for them again.”

The #LivesNotKnives campaign aims to reduce the number of knife-related offences in the city, to educate and inform young people of the dangers of carrying knives, and to bring offenders to justice. It is being backed by Police and Crime Commissioner Lord Willy Bach, the Mayor of Leicester, Sir Peter Soulsby and two mothers who have lost their sons in knife related incidents.

A knife amnesty was launched last Thursday (20 October) with bins installed in six police stations where people can dispose of their weapons.

Amnesty bins can be found at the following police stations:

• Mansfield House • Beaumont Leys • Braunstone • Spinney Hill • Keyham Lane • Hinckley Road

Knife arches are also being used in city centre locations to check for anyone carrying a bladed weapon. Superintendent Kerry Smith added: “The message is clear – knives cost lives and can have a devastating consequence on all those involved, from the victim and their family to the perpetrator and their loved ones.

“Simply being caught in possession of a knife or bladed instrument in public can lead to a four year prison sentence.

“I would urge anyone who thinks it is acceptable and necessary to carry a knife to take it straight to one of these bins and get rid of it.”

POLICE SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM

EASTERN COUNTIES NPA

HARBOROUGH NORTH

This neighbourhood beat covers the large rural area to the north, east and west of Market Harborough, extending as far as Great Easton, Allexton, Owston, Hungarton, Thurnby, Houghton on the Hill, Stoughton, Great Glen, Fleckney, the Kibworths, the Langtons, Theddingworth and all the villages in between.

Each dedicated neighbourhood team is supported by the Special Constabulary.

Your dedicated neighbourhood team

Sgt John Weston

Collar number: 1687

I've served with Leicestershire Police for over 22 years now in a number of different roles and locations, both in uniform and CID and I find my job to be enjoyable and rewarding.

As a Police Officer I've done many things and had fantastic opportunities, but of all the things Ive seen and done, the reason for me doing them is fairly simple in my eyes.

I'm here to try and make a difference: to deal with people who cause us most harm, protect those who can’t protect themselves and whilst doing that to treat people as I would expect my nearest and dearest to be treated.

Feel free to contact me so we can work together and make this place an even nicer place to live than it already is!

 Send an email to your neighbourhood team  Leave a voicemail for Sgt John Weston by calling 101 and follow the instructions to leave a message for an officer. When prompted, key in the identification number 1687. PC Steve Winn

Collar number: 1524

I am a police officer of 13 years and have been involved with Neighbourhood policing for the past few years but carry experience from response, proactive and CID roles of policing. Crime, anti social behaviour and traffic issues are all topics that matter to people within their communities and as a result I am committed to reducing, solving and preventing these issues. Both my team and I are committed to meeting and engaging with as many of our residents as we can so please look out for us at the various events we attend. We are always looking to learn what matter to you and how we can resolve the issues being suffered. As we move towards the better weather and lighter evenings I will be looking at typical trends of crime and anti social behaviour and what I can do to prevent issues before they become a problem. Over my years of experience I have forged excellent links with our partner agencies and will often look to these for support and guidance.

 Send an email to your neighbourhood team  Leave a voicemail for PC Steve Winn by calling 101 and follow the instructions to leave a message for an officer. When prompted, key in the identification number 1524.

PCSO Lucy Cross

Collar number: 6671

I joined the Harborough North Safer Neighbourhood team as a PCSO in May 2013.

I look forward to working with the rest of the team in tackling the concerns of the local community, especially in dealing with anti-social behaviour (ASB).

Please feel free to come and speak to me about any worries you may have or leave me a voicemail by calling 101 and entering my collar number; 6671 when prompted.

 Send an email to your neighbourhood team  Leave a voicemail for PCSO Lucy Cross by calling 101 and follow the instructions to leave a message for an officer. When prompted, key in the identification number 6671.

PCSO Matthew Kiff Collar number: 6090

I have worked for Leicestershire Police since March 2007. In that time I have worked in a variety of roles and gained valuable experience working as a Neighbourhood officer, Response officer and Anti Social Behaviour officer. Previously I have worked at Market Harborough, Lutterworth, Melton Mowbray and Oakham.

I am currently based at Market Harborough as part of the Harborough North Dedicated Neighbourhood Team. I look forward to meeting and engaging with as many residents on my travels and assist with issues that matter to the local community.

Please feel free to contact me to discuss any local issues you are experiencing.

 Send an email to your neighbourhood team  Leave a voicemail for PCSO Matthew Kiff by calling 101 and follow the instructions to leave a message for an officer. When prompted, key in the identification number 6090.

PCSO Tom French

Collar number: 6004

I joined Leicestershire Police in July 2013.

I have been working at Melton station since July 2013 and have been on the Rural South Safer Neighbourhood Team since September 2013.

I moved to the Harborough North Dedicated Neighbourhood Team in February 2015.

I hope to be as visible on the beat as much as possible providing a police presence as I believe this will help to reduce crime around the local area.

If you see me out and about please don’t hesitate to come and speak to me as I wish to get to know the local communities as much as I can.

 Send an email to your neighbourhood team  Leave a voicemail for PCSO Tom French by calling 101 and follow the instructions to leave a message for an officer. When prompted, key in the identification number 6004.