Extra police patrols coming to market towns

Hinckley and Loughborough are set to benefit from extra police patrols before Christmas, with a focus on tackling shoplifting and anti-social behaviour.

The two towns are among six market towns across Leicestershire where enhanced patrols are being introduced following an agreement between Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews and Leicestershire Police.

The additional patrols will be delivered by police officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), with resources targeted at areas where local crime data shows they are most needed.

The scheme will also cover Market Harborough, Coalville, Melton Mowbray and Ashby-de-la-Zouch.

The Police and Crime Commissioner announced plans for enhanced patrols in May, saying residents and businesses had raised concerns about the visibility of policing in market towns.

Mr Matthews said he was determined to deliver the additional patrols and had asked the Chief Constable to find a way of providing them.

He said visible policing could help prevent crime and anti-social behaviour, while giving residents and businesses greater confidence.

Mr Matthews said:

"I set the Chief Constable a clear challenge, and I am pleased that Leicestershire Police has responded with a practical and cost-effective plan that delivers the extra patrols local people want to see. I'm particularly pleased that this initiative will be up and running before Christmas, providing additional reassurance to residents and valuable support to retailers during one of the busiest times of the year."

 

Chief Constable David Sandall added:
 

“The solution proposed contributes to the wider financial stability and helps mitigate in the short term some of the anticipated further reductions in resources of Leicestershire Police, by bringing this project delivery back into the operational space, where using our PCSOs we can specifically deploy resources in the County Towns based on the data in these specific areas. We do understand the impact that retail crime and anti-social behaviour can have a significant impact on our communities, and we know from our previous successful work and proven track record in effectively policing 'crime hotspot' areas that engagement, problem solving and working with partners can make a real difference. “This project will use data evidence to ensure we are putting visible PCSO patrols in the right places at the right time, using a problem-solving approach and working closely with business owners and partners in our County Towns to ensure that we can continue to build trust and confidence in our communities."

The force says officers will also work with businesses and local partners to tackle problems and build trust within communities.

The agreement will cost less than originally budgeted by the Commissioner, with the savings being reinvested into further crime prevention initiatives across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

The enhanced patrols are expected to be up and running by December, providing additional reassurance to residents and support for local retailers ahead of the busy Christmas period.