WATCH WORD

For & Newsletter of CITY & COUNTY NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH – (LEICESTER & LEICESTERSHIRE) Working in SUPPORT of . Charity No. 1072275 Issue 6/2018 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)

Have you visited City and County Neighbourhood Watch (Leicester & Leicestershire) Website recently? www.neighbourhoodwatchleicester.net

LEICESTERSHIRE POLICE

Say #ItsNotOk in Leicestershire as part of Sexual Awareness Week

Issued on 5/2/18 at 8:37 a.m.

A week of videos and publicity raising awareness of sexual violence is part of a Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland campaign to mark sexual abuse and sexual violence awareness week.

Leicestershire Police is supporting the awareness week #ItsNotOk from 5 February to 10 February which aims to encourage under reported groups, including members of faith groups, males and women over 55 to come forward.

The campaign is being undertaken through the joint Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland domestic violence and sexual violence communications group which includes Leicestershire Police, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, , Leicestershire County Council and its District and Borough councils. Other groups involved in the campaign include Victim First and UAVA (United Against Violence and Abuse), the local providers of domestic abuse and sexual violence services.

As well as a series of videos which will be shared across the week, the Old Grammar School in Market Harborough will light-up after sundown in solidarity with survivors of sexual abuse and sexual violence and student.

Millicent Gant, Manager of SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre) based at Juniper Lodge, said: “We’re really happy to be supporting and contributing to this week-long campaign. Sexual abuse and sexual violence are both sensitive topics and we hope the awareness week will encourage conversation about these difficult subjects.

“By recognising these under reported groups through a series of videos, we hope that anyone who has been affected by sexual abuse or sexual violence understands how they can report these issues and know they are not alone.”

Leicestershire Police and Crime Commissioner, Lord Willy Bach said: “I wholeheartedly back this awareness campaign and the positive partnership work taking place in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to build trust and confidence among vulnerable victims of sexual violence. There is a wealth of specialist services available providing emotional and practical help for victims and survivors whether they have reported their experiences to police or not.

“Sexual violence remains a largely hidden crime and we’re doing everything possible to change this by expanding and developing our response to victims and by reaching out to those who are additionally isolated through language, gender, cultural or familial barriers. This campaign will continue to raise awareness of these vital avenues of help.”

Support is available from UAVA on 0808 80 200 28, www.uava.org.uk or Victim First on 0800 953 9595 – www.victimfirst.org

ACTION FRAUD

Phantom Debt Fraud Alert - January 2018

Phantom Debt Fraud

Action Fraud has recently experienced an increase in the number of calls to members of the public by fraudsters requesting payments for a “phantom” debt. The fraud involves being cold- called by someone purporting to be a debt collector, bailiff or other type of enforcement agent. The fraudster may claim to be working under instruction of a court, business or other body and suggest they are recovering funds for a non-existent debt.

The fraudsters are requesting payment, sometimes by bank transfer and if refused, they threaten to visit homes or workplaces in order to recover the supposed debt that is owed. In some cases, the victim is also threatened with arrest. From the reports Action Fraud has received, this type of fraud is presently occurring throughout the UK.

It is important to recognise that there are key differences between the various entities who seek to settle debts or outstanding fees in and Wales. These differences range from the type of debt they will enforce to the legal powers they possess. To learn more, please take a look at some of the helpful information and links on the Step Change Debt Charity website; https://www.stepchange.org/debt-info/debt-collection/bailiffs-and-debt-collectors- differences.aspx

Protect Yourself  Make vigorous checks if you ever get a cold call. Bailiffs for example, should always be able to provide you with a case number and warrant number, along with their name and the court they are calling from; make a note of all details provided to you.

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 If you receive a visit from a bailiff, they must always identify themselves as a Court Bailiff at the earliest possible opportunity. Ask to see their identity card which they must carry to prove who they are, this card shows their photograph and identity number. They will also carry the physical warrant showing the debt and endorsed with a court seal.  If you work for a business and receive a call or visit, be sure to speak with your manager or business owner first. Never pay the debts yourself on behalf of the business you work for; some fraudsters have suggested employees make payment suggesting they can then be reimbursed by their employer when in reality the debt is non-existent.  Exercise caution believing someone is genuine because you’ve found something on the internet; fraudsters could easily create fake online profiles to make you believe them.  Double check with the court, company or public body they claim to work for to confirm whether the call is legitimate; if you use a landline make sure you hear the dialling tone prior to dialling as the caller could still be on the line and you could potentially speak to the fraudster(s) to confirm the non-existent debt. Also be sure to independently search for a telephone number to call; never use a number provided by the caller without carrying out your own research.  Do not feel rushed or intimidated to make a decision based on a phone call. Take five and listen to your instincts.  If you know you have a debt, keep in regular contact with your creditor and be sure to establish the debt type at the earliest opportunity if you are not aware. This will help you to understand who might be in contact with you regarding any repayments or arrears. You can report suspicious calls like these to Action Fraud by visiting www.actionfaud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

LEICESTERSHIRE POLICE

Events across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland for SID 2018

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Issued on 1/2/18 at 12:05 p.m.

As part of Safer Internet Day 2018 a series of presentations to help promote the safe, responsible and positive use of digital technology for children and adults are being held throughout the week across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Safer Internet Day 2018 will be celebrated globally on Tuesday 6 February with the slogan ‘Create, Connect and Share Respect: a better internet starts with you.’

Coordinated by the UK Safer Internet Centre the day sees hundreds of schools and organisations joining together to raise awareness of online safety issues and run events and activities right across the UK. In Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland the force’s Cyber Protect Officer, Sam Hancock, and Children and Young

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Persons Officer, Katie Hudson, are giving a series of talks throughout the week at schools, women’s groups and community events;

 Monday 5 February - Belvoirdale Primary School, an e-safety talk for parents  Monday 5 February - Measham Primary School, an e-safety talk for parents  Monday 5th February - Market Harborough Fire station session starts at 6.30pm for the Leicestershire Fire and Rescue cadets.  Tuesday 6 February – Leicester Women’s Forum, St Philips Centre, Stoughton Drive North 10am – 12pm. Talk about the safe use of passwords, social media, scams and fraud, online banking and personal information.  Tuesday 6 February – Loughborough Library, Granby Street, Loughborough 1.30pm – 2.30pm how to safe online and avoid fraud and scams  Tuesday 6 February - Western Fire Station on Aikman Road Session start at 4.30pm for the Leicestershire Fire and Rescue cadets.  Wednesday 7 February - Christ the King Catholic Primary School, an e-safety talk for parents  Wednesday7 February - Danemill Primary School, an e-safety talk for parents  Thursday 8 February – Primary, an e-safety talk for parents  Thursday 8 February – Rutland County Museum 1.30pm - 6.30pm there will be a range of expert speakers sharing helpful, practical information on a wide range of digital safety topics, including online gaming, image sharing, privacy settings and parental controls.  Friday 9 February - Kibworth Primary School, an e-safety talk for parents

Safer Internet Day offers the opportunity to highlight the positive uses of technology and to explore the role everyone can play in helping to create a better and safer online community. It calls upon young people, parents, carers, teachers, social workers, law enforcement, businesses and policymakers to join together in helping to create a better internet.

The force’s Cyber Protect Officer, Sam Hancock, said; “Online technology is a crucial part of modern life but there are also inherent risks with going online for everyone from school children to the elderly. We will be getting out into the community across the week to give online safety advice to a number of groups to build a positive online experience for everyone.

LEICESTERSHIRE POLICE

Explosive start for new bomb dog at Leicestershire Police

Sergeant Richard Bradley with new bomb dog, Rosie

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Issued on 1/2/18 at 11:55 a.m.

The 15-month-old Springer Spaniel police dog, Rosie is now the second bomb dog to join the Tactical Dog and Firearms Unit at Leicestershire Police, and has been trained in various types of explosive material detection.

Rosie and her handler, Sergeant Richard (Dick) Bradley are now trained and available for coordinated and intelligence led searches as well as planned responses to bomb threats. As well as providing a service for Leicestershire Police, Rosie will also support the dog section within EMOpSS ( Operational Specialist Services).

EMOpSS Dog Section provides specialist and general purpose dog team capabilities with their own dog training team, as well other units such as armed policing, firearms training, specialist search skills, roads policing and traffic collision investigation for the communities of Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Nottinghamshire.

Unlike general purpose police dogs such as German Shepherds or Belgian Mallinois’s, which are trained to locate objects with human scent, locate people including missing people or control hostile crowds within any operational environment, Rosie is trained to identify particular substances within four key areas: buildings, open- areas, routes and vehicles.

Basic training for an explosive detection dog is usually eight weeks long with on-going and regular repeated training, which is essential throughout their working career. The scenting capability of `Gun Dog’ type breeds such as is Rosie is incredibly powerful and can even detect the presence of scents months later.

Rosie is Dick’s third explosive detection dog since joining Leicestershire Police dog section 21 years ago. He began his career as a Response and Beat Officer in April 1989 before joining the Tactical Dog and Firearms Unit as a General Purpose Dog Handler in Feb 1997. Within his day-to-day duties, Dick manages and supervises all the dog teams on the unit and looks after the police dog kennel facilities. He is also a qualified dog trainer as well as a Dog Legislation Officer where he identifies prohibited breed types.

Police dogs like Rosie remain with their handlers on a 24/7 basis to maintain a good working relationship.

Sergeant Dick Bradley, said: “We are really pleased to have another explosive detection dog join the force. The capability of dogs like Rosie is amazing and they continue to support policing and provide consistently good results.

“Although Rosie is already brilliant at her job, we have a lot more to learn together and I am going to enjoy training her and developing her knowledge and ability to become a more experienced dog for the force.”

LEICESTERSHIRE POLICE

Leicestershire Police makes Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers for sixth year running

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Stonewall Top 100 Logo

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Issued on 31/1/18 at 9:40 a.m.

Every year, Stonewall, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender rights charity publishes a list which details Britain’s top LGBT friendly employers to showcase the progress being made in workplaces towards full equality for Britain’s 1.7 million LGBT employees.

The force has a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT+) Network which represents the views of its LGBT employees. The force has previously introduced a straight allies programme, which means officers and staff members, who are not LGBT, can openly show their support for equal rights. They also challenge homophobia and transphobia if they see or hear it in the workplace. The programme is also being expanded to become a broader diversity advocate scheme.

Over the past 12 months, Leicestershire Police has worked closely with colleagues nationally and locally to produce two training packages to improve understanding of the issues affecting transgender staff and transgender men and women living in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Chief Constable, Simon Cole, said: “I’m really proud and pleased that our commitment to having an inclusive workforce has been recognised by Stonewall for the sixth year running.

“This award recognises the great work our Equality Unit, members of our LGBT+ Network and police officers and staff who devote time and energy to making our force a great place to work, and helping us to police the many communities that we serve more effectively.”

Lynne Woodward, Head of Equality and Human Rights, said: “We are delighted to be in the Stonewall Top 100 again. The past twelve months have seen us work with colleagues and communities nationally to produce two training resources to increase understanding of transgender staff and communities we police.

“We also had our biggest ever attendance at Leicester Pride. We would like to thank our local partners who work with us, our LGBT+ Independent Advisory Group for their advice and holding us to account and our LGBT+ staff network who work tirelessly to keep us progressing as an inclusive Employer of choice.”

Darren Towers, Executive Director for Stonewall, said: “Leicestershire Police and all those who have made this year’s Top 100 Employers list have done a fantastic job. Taking part in our Index shows real commitment to understanding and advancing LGBT equality.”

For further information on the Force’s LGBT+ Network, please visit: https://leics.police.uk/about-us/our- departments/lgbt-network.

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LEICESTERSHIRE POLICE

Police return rare guitar to its rightful owner after 10 years

Sergeant John Weston, David Allen and PC Roger Stanley

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Issued on 30/1/18 at 12:14 p.m.

A classic electric guitar signed by rock legends and missing for 10 years has been returned to its original owner – and will be sold to benefit Rainbows hospice.

The Fender Stratocaster – said to be valued in excess of £20,000 – was originally acquired by Midlands music promoter David Allen, who approached his contacts in the business to sign the guitar, including rock icons Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Mark Knopfler, Bill Wyman, the late Gary Moore, Pete Townsend and Brian May, who all duly agreed.

The idea was to auction the precious instrument to raise funds for Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People, based in Loughborough.

“During 2007 while operating music promoters Mad Hatter Concerts, I launched the Legends Signed Guitar Project to raise funds for Rainbows hospice, which supports youngsters with life-limiting conditions across the East Midlands,” David explains.

Mat Hankins of MH Music in Market Harborough donated the Fender and David began to approach his contacts to sign the guitar, intending then to auction the instrument.

“We aimed high, as we wanted to raise essential funds for this very worthwhile charity, but also the profile of Rainbows as a whole,” he added.

He was delighted by the generosity of a clutch of rock icons, happy to support the initiative.

Then disaster struck, while in transit with a national carrier back to David’s Leicestershire home after being signed by Eric Clapton and Mark Knopfler the guitar vanished. It never arrived. And despite an extensive investigation, the guitar was never seen again.

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That is until this month, more than 10 years on, when David received a call from the police to say that the guitar had been found. After being spotted for sale on an online auction site by an eagle-eyed guitar enthusiast, the police were notified and the missing guitar was finally recovered.

Says David: “I can’t believe we finally have the guitar back, after all these years. A huge debt of gratitude goes out to those who notified us of the guitar’s whereabouts and to the police who acted so swiftly to ensure its safe return. They’ve been fantastic.”

Officers in Market Harborough acted quickly when they received the report that the instrument was being sold online. After some initial research they visited an address in the Market Harborough area and recovered the guitar. Enquiries were carried out by local officers and it was clear the person had innocently come into possession of the item a number of years ago. There are no further lines of enquiry.

Sergeant John Weston, from the Eastern Counties Neighbourhood Policing Area, said: “We are pleased to have played a role in ensuring the safe recovery of the guitar and we now hope that it can go on to raise money for Rainbows hospice as was its original intention”

He now aims to pick up the project from where he left off 10 years ago – and fill the guitar with more legendary names from the world of rock. “I am delighted to have it back… and in some ways my faith has been restored,” he says.

David then intends to place the guitar with a major auction house that specialises in entertainment memorabilia – with all proceeds going to Rainbows hospice.

But he added: “Until then I’m not going to let the guitar out of my hands - and will take it personally wherever it needs to be!”

Spokesman for Rainbows, Nish Saujani, said: “It is an incredible story… and we are so grateful to David and the guitar icons who have kindly signed the guitar. The cash from its sale will help support youngsters and families across the East Midlands when they need it most.”

ADVICE & INFORMATION

Garden Crime

Don't let green fingered thieves spring clean your shed.

Many people take a great deal of trouble securing their house and the property within it...but what about sheds and garages? With the array of lawnmowers, power tools, garden equipment, bicycles, sports and other valuable equipment kept in them, security measures should certainly be put in place.

Property

Gardening tools and garden furniture are not cheap - what's more they are very saleable items for the thief. Don't make it easy for them to be stolen and remember that tools stolen from your shed could be used to burgle your house.

 Postcode or property mark anything in your shed or garage that is value and might be stolen, for example, lawnmowers, garden furniture, bicycles, sports equipment.  Take photographs of expensive items - they may be useful to police to identify the goods and return them to you, should you be unfortunate enough to have them stolen.

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 Never leave garden tools and equipment outside, even if you are just popping back into the house. It only takes minutes for an opportunist thief to take them.  Consider fitting a pair of garage door locks that are fitted either vertically or horizontally and can be locked both from the inside and outside of the garage.

LEICESTERSHIRE POLICE

POLICE SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM

EAST LEICESTER NPA

Humberstone

The Humberstone neighbourhood consists predominantly of residential premises covering Humberstone village, and the Hamilton and Netherhall housing estates.

The Neighbourhood Team holds regular surgeries and community consultation events at various locations within the ward, providing residents with the opportunity to meet the team and discuss any issues relevant to policing the area and making it a safe and enjoyable place to be.

To find out more about what's happening in your local area read your local station Inspector's monthly update.

Each dedicated neighbourhood team is supported by the Special Constabulary.

Your dedicated neighbourhood team

Sgt Rob Merrall

Collar number: 1719

I am the Neighbourhood Policing Sgt for the Humberstone and Hamilton Ward.

Our aim as a team is to target and prosecute the offenders that cause us most harm and to find quick solutions to the issues that matter most to the community through effective work with our partner agencies.

I encourage the community to let us know any concerns you may have at the earliest opportunity by telephoning 101 in a non emergency, stopping us in the street or anonymously via Crime stoppers on 0800 555 111.

 Send an email to your neighbourhood team  Leave a voicemail for Sgt Rob Merrall by calling 101 and follow the instructions to leave a message for an officer. When prompted, key in the identification number 1719.

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PC Phillip Smith-Lester

Collar number: 1268

I have worked for Leicestershire Police since 2005. Throughout my police career I have been based at Keyham Lane Police Station. I have worked in a variety of departments including response and local investigation unit.

I am pleased to now be part of the Charnwood beat team as a Beacon Officer and I am looking forward to my role in supporting the community and dealing with any policing issues they may have.

 Send an email to your neighbourhood team  Leave a voicemail for PC Phillip Smith-Lester by calling 101 and follow the instructions to leave a message for an officer. When prompted, key in the identification number 1268.

PC Stuart Venables

Collar number: 1365

I have been with Leicestershire Police in various roles since 2006, most recently I have been working within the force investigation unit, where I managed investigations and processed suspects through custody.

I am excited to now be part of neighbourhood policing and I’m keen to engage with all members of the community in order to identify and address issues raised. I have a pro-active attitude and will be targeting those that cause most harm to the wider community, so please provide me with information if you have any concerns or gut feelings and if relevant and necessary I will ensure proportionate action is taken to hold offenders accountable and the community safe.’

 Send an email to your neighbourhood team  Leave a voicemail for PC Stuart Venables by calling 101 and follow the instructions to leave a message for an officer. When prompted, key in the identification number 1365.

PCSO Matt Sword

Collar number: 6645

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I am a Police Community Support Officer working from Keyham Lane police station. I will be working closely with other officers to engage with the local community and provide a presence on the streets to tackle issues important to local residents. I am always happy to listen to your needs and concerns so if you see me out and about do not hesitate to come and say hello.

 Send an email to your neighbourhood team  Leave a voicemail for PCSO Matt Sword by calling 101 and follow the instructions to leave a message for an officer. When prompted, key in the identification number 6645 .

PCSO Andrew Dunmore

Collar number: 6068

I joined Leicestershire Police as a Police Community Support Officer in 2012, having volunteered prior to this as a Special Constable. I am now part of the Keyham Lane Police Station neighbourhood team, and I cover the areas of Hamilton, Humberstone and Netherhall.

I am a very approachable person so please stop and speak with me when I am out on the beat.

 Send an email to your neighbourhood team  Leave a voicemail for PCSO Andrew Dunmore by calling 101 and follow the instructions to leave a message for an officer. When prompted, key in the identification number 6068.

PCSO Katie Long

Collar number: 6184

I joined Leicestershire Police in January 2007, working initially as a Local Support Team Officer in the city centre, I then became a PCSO in 2009 covering the Netherhall, Hamilton and Humberstone ward.

I enjoy working with the community and tackling anti-social behaviour, if you see me please feel free to come and have a chat.

 Send an email to your neighbourhood team  Leave a voicemail for PCSO Katie Long by calling 101 and follow the instructions to leave a message for an officer. When prompted, key in the identification number 6184.

FACEBOOK GROUPS

Why not consider joining a Facebook Group for your Area. You will then be able to comment and discuss issues with others in your area, on topics that are of interest to you. Blaby District: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BlabyNeighbourhoodWatchCCNWA/

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Charnwood Borough: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CharnwoodNeighbourhoodWatchCCNWA/ Harborough District: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HarboroughNeighbourhoodWatchCCNWA/ Hinckley & Bosworth Borough: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HinckleyBosworthNeighbourhoodWatch/ Leicester City: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeicesterNeighbourhoodWatchCCNWA/ Leicestershire: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeicestershireNeighbourhoodWatchCCNWA/ Melton Borough: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MeltonNeighbourhoodWatchCCNWA/ North West Leicestershire District: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NorthWestLeicsNeighbourhoodWatch/ Oadby & Wigston Borough: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OadbyWigstonNeighbourhoodWatch/

EAST MIDLANDS DERBYSHIRE: www.facebook.com/CCNWADerbyshire LINCOLNSHIRE: www.facebook.com/CCNWALincolnshire NORTHAMPTONSHIRE: www.facebook.com/CCNWANorthamptonshire NOTTINGHAMSHIRE: www.facebook.com/ccnwanottinghamshire

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