, Cosby, Glen Parva and Cosby Newsletter

May 2021

News

Criminals are using children all across the UK Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) is a term used to describe when children and young people are manipulated or coerced into committing crimes. Criminals groom boys and girls to carry out illegal activity on their behalf – such as selling and storing drugs, carrying weapons and committing burglary, robbery or theft. Currently across , and Rutland we are seeing children and young people between the ages of nine and 17 being used by criminals. The most common type of crimes they are becoming involved in is activity known as ‘County Lines’. Children and young people caught up in CCE won’t always act like victims because they don’t often see themselves as victims. This is because individuals or gangs who target children will often make them feel respected, important and protected.

Some children are also made to feel like they have no choice and will be scared to speak out about what is happening. It is important we all remember children are often preyed on because they are vulnerable.

We must all work together to help put an end to this abuse. The police, education, local councils and health organisations across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland all have an important part to play in preventing children being exploited and deal with those responsible. We also need your help to look after the children in your life. To know the signs and to act if you suspect a child is in danger.

Are you listening Funded by Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland’s Violence Reduction Network, a new film entitled ‘Are you listening’ aims to raise awareness of the issue of CCE, some of the signs that could indicate a child is in danger and where you can go for help and support. It is important we all play an active role in tackling this issue.

The film focuses on four stories, which although fictional, are typical of the types of criminality children do become involved in.

Children won’t often just tell you if they are in trouble but there are often some obvious signs that could indicate they might need help. The most obvious sign is a change in a child or young person’s behaviour from what is considered ‘normal’ for them.

NeighbourhoodOther signs include: Link – Have you signed up?

We •want Withdrawal to encourage from usualas many group people of friends as possibleand a mention to sign of older up to or our new community friends messaging system, • Having gifts, a new phone or money that can’t be accounted for Neighbourhood Link. You will receive regular emails keeping you up to date about local policing issues, • Becoming withdrawn or secretive good• newsReceiving stories, a large crime number prevention of calls advice,or messages witness to their appeals phone or and being local worried events. about being away from their phone • A drop in grades or performance, as well as suspension or exclusion from school It is very easy to do and free! Register at www.neighbourhoodlink.co.uk • Going missing from home or not showing up to school or regular afterschool groups or clubs • Become involved in low level criminality such as antisocial behaviour Quick Stat If you suspect a child is being exploited try to talk to them. Children are more likely to open up to an adult they have an existing and trusting relationship with. Next steps: https://www.police.uk/pu/your-area/leicestershire-police/blaby-whetstone-glen-parva-and-cosby/ is a Ifwebsite you think that a child provides could be crime involved statistics in this wheretype of activity,you live. you can contact on 101 or online. If you suspect a child is in immediate danger always call 999. Follow us on Twitter @blabypolice or Facebook /blabypolice

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Further News

#YouSaidWeDid

• You said - Anti-social behaviour (ASB).

Local officers have received a number of complaints regarding large number of youths causing Anti-Social Behaviour on Northfield Park and Bouskell Park. We have conducted daily patrols to all the parks and we are working closely with the Council to identify and deal with any persons involved accordingly.

• You said - Road safety.

Local officers have completed traffic calming measures on various main roads in Blaby, Glen Parva and Cosby. Uniformed officers conducted a speed gun operation at hotspot locations and drivers breaking the speed limit were stopped and dealt with.

Further speed reduction events at various locations are planned for May. Local police will also be present at schools during key times throughout the school day to ensure individuals are both driving and parking appropriately and responsibly.

On Beat team patrols, two vehicles were identified driving in a manner causing alarm and distress to members of the public. On both occasions, drivers were issued with S59 Warnings.

• You said – Vehicle crime. Vehicle crime, namely theft from motor vehicles, remains a concern for local residents. Local officers have been completing crime pattern reviews to ensure patrols are completed at the right locations during key times. Please ensure your vehicles are locked and secured at all times and no belongings are left in your vehicle or on display.

• You said - Nuisance motorbikes. We are fully aware of the historical issues with motorbikes in fields and parks locally. We are fully committed to this priority and are working alongside the ASB department at Council to tackle this. This month we have been made aware of only one incident regarding nuisance motorbikes. On this occasion the suspect was identified and a warning letter sent out.

What you have told us has helped shape our priorities for this beat. My colleagues and I will continue to keep you up to date on our progress. You can also follow what we are doing at Blaby Police on Facebook and Twitter.

If you have any further feedback, questions or concerns then please do not hesitate to get in contact or say hello when you see us on the street. Of course, please remember you can report crime online at www.leics.police.uk or call 101. Please dial 999 in an emergency.

YourBeat Surgeries Beat Team Due to the new national lockdown restrictions all beat surgeries are currently cancelled please keep an eye We are always happy to hear from you. Please email us at on our Facebook page, Blaby Police, for future events. [email protected] or call 101.

Follow us on Twitter @blabypolice or Facebook /blabypolice

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