Police are issuing a warning to the public after a suspicious incident.

The number of people in Leicestershire who feel that their police do an excellent or good job is good compared to the national average.
The results of the British Crime Survey (BCS), which were issued today (Thursday 17 July, 2008), revealed that Leicestershire has the highest number of people rating their local policing performance as excellent or good compared with other forces in the East Midlands region.
The BCS is considered to be the most accurate barometer of crime and public perceptions of crime... More » « Less

This short quiz tests your knowledge of security in your home and community.
You can take the quiz as often as you like - you may want to make sure you get all the questions right!
This interactive program is very easy to use. .

Police are urging residents to be on their guard following a spate of distraction burglaries.
Four distraction burglaries occurred in the county on Friday July 11, 2008. On three occasions, callers claimed to be from the Water Board.
The first burglary was reported to police shortly after midday, when two men called at an address in the area of Edward Street, Hinckley and asked the elderly occupant to keep turning the taps on and off. Whilst doing so, one of the men went into another room. Cash was later found to be missing... More » « Less

BBC 3’s ‘Freaky Eaters’ are looking for people to take part in a new series of programmes
Do you have an unusual eating problem which controls your life?
Do you find many foods difficult to eat?
Do your friends and family think your eating habits are weird?
Are you at the end of your tether and desperate to sort out your diet?
Freaky Eaters is a series about people who live with unusual eating habits. Each week our resident nutritionist and psychologist offer advice and support to help individuals tackle their eating problems.
If you or someone you know would like to take part, please call: 020 7907 0899 or email: freaky.eaters@betty.co.uk.. More » « Less

The Grapevine is a brand new online message forum aimed at older and disabled adults, their family, friends and carers, but it can be used by anyone - from anywhere in the world!
Users can log-on to discuss topics including news, sport, the arts or share jokes, poetry and recipes.
Visitors to the site can also talk about what it's like to be getting older, to live with a disability and to care for others.
You can also send a message to David Sprason, our Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care You could give feedback about your care or make suggestions to help us continue to improve our service. Don't miss your chance to have your say!
Jackie Harman, who is disabled and deafened, is a regular user of The Grapevine. She said: "I found it hugely difficult to communicate and interact with people. The Grapevine has opened up a whole new world for me as I can now communicate with others safely through the internet."
The Grapevine is run by Leicestershire CareOnLine, which uses the internet to help reduce isolation and improve the quality of life for older and disabled people and carers.
CareOnLine recently won the Innovative Information and Communications Technology Award at East Midlands Health and Social Care Awards 2008.
For questions or help using the site, please e-mail: grapevine@leics.gov.uk or call 0116 305 7538... More » « Less

Substations
Substations are secure and protected structures where high voltage electricity is distributed from the National Grid, or local supply networks, and transformed down into more manageable voltage levels for homes and businesses. The equipment contained inside the substation is regularly inspected and maintained. They can be found in both local and rural areas displaying yellow warning signs, and are locked and protected for everyone's safety. Only authorised employees and supervised emergency workers are allowed to enter substations. Please stay out of these substations.
Substations are 'Danger Zones' and every year, despite warnings, people are still killed, or seriously injured, after illegally accessing them.
If you see this or anything like it you need to call us on: 0800 587 3243.. More » « Less

Leicestershire Constabulary are urging people to be on their guard after a spate of copper wire thefts in June from ten electricity substations across the county.
Officers are checking the identification of any person that they reasonably consider it necessary to challenge in the vicinity of electricity cables, substations and metal dealers in the county.

Leicestershire Trading Standards website is getting a brand new look and you are invited to make suggestions for what you want to see on it. To take part in the consultation, please complete the online form by following the link from this page.
The consultation will run until Friday 25th July and the new website will be launched in the autumn.

Welcome to the Neighbourhood Watch Toolkit
This package has been produced by the Home Office and the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) in consultation with Neighbourhood Watch volunteers.
This toolkit can be used by individuals to find out about all aspects of Neighbourhood Watch.

Up-to-date news for consumers

WE HAVE LIFT-OFF!
This week marks the dawn of a new age of Neighbourhood Watch communication.
The Neighbourhood and Home Watch network is launched across the nation with a brief to keep an eye on crime and crime fighting on our home front.
With the backing of the police and Home Office we will keep you up to speed on developments both locally and nationally via a constantly-updated website and regular newletters. Use this link to download your copy and to register to receive future editions .. More » « Less

Chair of NHWN Marion Lewis was at Downing Street yesterday, 17th June and met the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary to discuss the views of Neighbourhood Watch members from across the country who were invited to ‘have their say’ and to give their opinions on the criminal justice system and contribute towards a Cabinet Office review written by the government's crime and communities adviser Louise Casey.

Business Advice
Confidential, free advice on all trading standards matters including help for you to solve your consumer complaints.
We can also help you to access available Rural Business Grants
Contact Us: Telephone: (0116) 305 8000
Email: trading-standards@leics.gov.uk

Police are growing increasingly concerned for the welfare of a Leicester man who was last seen on Thursday June 12, 2008.
Kevin Wilson, 54, who was last seen at his home address on Humberstone Road, Thurmaston, was reported missing on Sunday, June 15, 2008.

Please find below a link for the latest details about Neighbourhood & Homewatch Week 2008 and the launch of the official NHWN website – www.mynhw.co.uk
Both commence on Monday 16th June 2008.
http://www.mynhw.co.uk/launch.html
Please circulate this to your colleagues, local Neighbourhood Watch groups and grassroots members.
Regards
Marion Lewis
Chair
Neighbourhood & Homewatch Network (England & Wales)

Motorists across Leicestershire are being warned following a spate of thefts of catalytic converters.
Since the beginning of April this year there have been 62 catalytic converters stolen in the Force area.
The problem is mainly affecting rural areas in the North and South of the Force, with 31 catalytic converters stolen from vehicles in the North area, 29 in the South area, and two in the Central area.
South area crime reduction officer Steve Day said: "Crime analysis shows that thieves have been mainly targeting 4x4 vehicles or people carriers that have been parked in public car parks... More » « Less

A number of villages in the district are eligible for a Living Leicestershire grant. A total of £10,000 is available locally to help overcome rural barriers to accessing local leisure, recreation and engagement activities.
The scheme aims to:
• Increase access to the countryside for all ages
• Increase the take-up and availability of positive activities for young people
• Increase young peoples participation in local decision-making
• Increase the accessibility and participation of all ages in local leisure, sport and cultural activities
For further information please contact Sarah Carter on tel: 0116 3058098 or e-mail: slcarter@leics.gov.uk
Applications will be considered from the 25th July until all the funds have been committed... More » « Less

A new £50 million grant programme has been launched to make locally grown food accessible and affordable to Leicestershire communities.
Grants from £2,000 up to £500,000 will be awarded to not-for-profit groups and organisations delivering such projects as growing, processing, marketing and distributing local food; composting and raising awareness of the benefits of such activities.
To find out more please call the Changing Spaces Advice Line on 0845 3 671 671 or visit: www.localfoodgrants org.. More » « Less

As the temperatures rise, unfortunately so do the number of burglaries at properties where the windows have been left open and doors left unlocked.
With the summer months upon us, Leicestershire Constabulary is urging homeowners across the county to think twice about security and make sure their windows and doors are secured if they leave a room or go into the garden.
Superintendent Jez Cottrill, who is heading up the campaign, said: "Open windows and doors can let in more than just fresh air. Unfortunately opportunist thieves come out in the hot weather as well... More » « Less