A few weeks ago, I spent a Community Day in the western part of the area covered by Harborough Council. As usual, I spoke to local residents as well as people who work there plus councillors and parish councils.
A number of issues were brought up, which I have now been able to chase up with the following results:
Broughton Astley
The big news here is that a recent spate of shoplifting and anti-social behavior in shops has come to an end after the problems were reported to the police. Local officers took prompt action to deal with things, and those who work in the shops told me how grateful they are for the swift police response.
A local man had been making a nuisance of himself and committing several crimes. He has now been arrested and is out on bail under strict conditions.
Speeding on the B581 is now being tackled by the mobile speed camera van. It has been there twice in the past month. In addition local officers visit to use their hand-held speed guns. Both will be back again shortly to continue to enforce the speed limits.
Market Harborough
Drug gas silver cylinders have been found in parks. The Public Space Protection Order covering the area has been expanded to cover the little cylinders used for nitrous oxide. The cylinders are cleared away the council, but the police have not been receiving many reports over the past few weeks. If you are aware of any issues, please contact the police via the website Home | Leicestershire Police (leics.police.uk)
The local beat team are making great efforts to be visible in and around the town. They hold regular beat surgeries in the council offices and in nearby villages. They have even acquired a good old-fashioned bicycle on which they pedal around when on patrol so that they are instantly accessible to the public – though of course cars are used when speed is essential.
Theddingworth
Speeding traffic on the A4304 as traffic enters the village is a problem. Some speeding vehicles have failed to make the first corner and ended up off the road. The local beat team is now organising speed enforcement days and are in the process of planning some with the cadets.
Great Glen
Vandalism at the playground has taken place. But it now seems to have ceased. The police are working with the parish council to get a grip on what happened and how to stop a reoccurrence.
North Kilworth
Speeding traffic on the A4304. As at Theddingworth, the beat team have held some enforcement visits and will be holding more.
Theft of fuel oil from tanks in gardens has been reported. When the nights start to get darker and the weather colder (so heating fuel rises in cost), the police will start a specific campaign with the Community Safety Partnership on this issue. There will be reminders to people about locking fuel tanks sheds and being vigilant about people creeping about in the dark.
Husbands Bosworth
Speeding traffic on the A4304. Speeding traffic on the A4304. As at Theddingworth & North Kilworth, the beat team have held some enforcement visits and will be holding more.
Lutterworth
Concern expressed about police visibility. The presence in the town has been uprated so that there are now two police constables dedicated to the town on early shifts and late shifts. The officers have been engaging with local residents and businesses specifically to find out what the problems are so that they can respond to them properly. There is also now a CID response team on hand to respond to specific incidents.
