Crime Alerts and Messages issued by the Leicestershire Constabulary and Neighbourhood Watch

SM - Emerging Crime Trends - 17/03/10

This is a message to all watch members and Key Individuals concerning recent crime trends across Harborough District from Harborough Police.

During recent weeks there has been a notable rise across the South Policing Area of burglaries at rural locations. Premises such as farms and isolated dwellings have been among those targeted and buildings such as sheds, garages, barns and storage containers have attracted the attention of the criminals involved.

Predominantly power tools, garden and plant equipment, metal items (such as animal feeding troughs), fence posts and quad bikes have been among the types of property stolen.

Your local Neighbourhood Police officers would urge all watch members and local residents to be vigilant and to inform the police immediately on 999 if they believe a crime is taking place or on 0116 222 2222 if they witness any suspicious persons, vehicles or activity.

We would also encourage everyone to review their current security to see if improvements can be made. Crime prevention doesn't need to cost lots of money - simple things like remembering to securely lock your gates and outbuildings can help deter an opportunist thief.

Clothing Collections For Charity - Are They Genuine?

This is a message to all Watch members and Key Individuals from Harborough Police in relation to bogus door to door charity collections.

The Association of Charity Shops estimates that between £2.5 and £3 million is lost to charities through theft and people mistakenly giving unwanted clothing to commercial companies in the belief that they are giving to charity.

'Give with Care' aims to help the generous people who want to give to charity to understand what to look for in leaflets and bags that come through their letter box. It will help them to establish if a clothing collection is for charity or not.

While clothing companies may be acting legally, their leaflets may be largely indistinguishable from charities, unless people know what to look for.

The campaign includes four top tips for spotting a genuine charity clothing collection:

* Does the sack or leaflet say the collection is for a registered charity? If so, what's the registered charity number? Call 0845 3000 218 or visit the register of charities to check that it's genuine.

* Does it only give a registered company number? Check that a registered charity is also involved with the collection.

* Is the charity actually named? Be wary of wording that just says 'families in need' or 'sick kids at Christmas' as this could be an indication that it is not a genuine charity.

* Does the leaflet or bag give a phone number? If not it may mean the collectors don't want to answer questions.

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Burglary in Little Bowden

Police are appealing for witnesses after an elderly woman’s home was burgled as she was sitting in her lounge.

The incident happened sometime between 2pm and 3pm on Saturday January 30, when a man entered the victim’s home, a woman in her eighties, on Scotland Road, Little Bowden.

Taken from the house was a dark brown, leather handbag containing a number of papers.

The man is described as white, aged in his late teens to early twenties, about 6ft tall and of medium build. He had short blonde hair and was wearing a green and white striped jumper.

PC Ollie Green, the officer investigating the incident, said: "It's upsetting to know that some people are willing to burgle an elderly woman in her own home and we are appealing for anyone with information about this to contact us immediately.

"At this stage we do not know how many people were involved in the burglary and are appealing for anyone who has information about those responsible to call us."

Anybody with any information is asked to contact PC 1821 Ollie Green on Leicester (0116) 222 2222, follow the instructions to leave a message for a police officer and when prompted key in the officer's identification number 1821. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers, which is free* and anonymous on 0800 555 111.

* Please note, some mobile phone service providers may charge for this call.

Issued on 03/02/10 at 11:17
Crime reference number: SM/00348/10-2

Officers re-appeal for information following fatal collision in North Kilworth

Officers from Leicestershire Constabulary's Serious Collision Investigation Unit who are investigating a fatal road traffic collision in North Kilworth are disappointed at the response to their appeals for information about the road surface.

Officers believe there is a possibility that about six people pulled their cars to the side of the road, around the time of the collision, to check their tyres and steering.

They have already appealed directly to these people to come forward but are still waiting to hear from anyone.

The collision happened nearly two weeks ago shortly after 5pm on Tuesday January 19, on the A4304, Lutterworth Road near to the junction with Kilworth Road and involved one vehicle, a red Volkswagen Golf.

The driver of the Golf, 25-year-old Katie Hoyland from North Kilworth, received fatal injuries and died at the scene.

Detective Constable Patricia Draycott, who is investigating the collision, said: "We have had a number of people contact us since our last press release, but we are still looking for more information about the collision, in particular the condition of the road surface.

"We are aware of a number of people who stopped at the side of the road on January 19 and we are really keen to speak to them. If you can remember driving along Lutterworth Road around the time of the incident and remember stopping at to check your car, please get in touch.

"We are also appealing for anyone who may saw the vehicle beforehand or stopped at the scene to get in touch."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC 4007 Patricia Draycott on Leicester (0116) 222 2222, follow the instructions to leave a message for a police officer and when prompted key in the officer's identification number 4007. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers, which is free* and anonymous on 0800 555 111.

* Please note, some mobile 'phone service providers may charge for this call.

Issued on 03/02/10 at 10:09
Crime reference number: OIS 484 19:01:10

Appeal after JCB theft in Ashby Parva

Officers are appealing for witnesses after the theft of a vehicle from a property in Ashby Parva, Lutterworth.

The incident happened sometime between 7pm on Friday January 8 and
8.20am on Saturday January 9, when the victim returned to his property, in Bitterswell Road, to find his JCB had been stolen.

The JCB Sitemaster is bright yellow with a blue dipper.

Detective Constable Frances Rathbone, the officer investigating the
incident, said: "We would like to appeal to anyone who has information about this incident to contact us immediately. The victim is eager to get his JCB back.

"Although it is not uncommon to see a JCB on the road, we would appeal to anyone who saw one travelling through the area overnight between 7pm on Friday and 8.20am on Saturday, to call us.

"Any information we receive we be thoroughly checked in order to narrow down our search. Any genuine JCB drivers along the road that night, which we speak to, will be thanked for their help in our investigation.

"We would like to hear any information you have about the theft, the
JCB's current whereabouts or the people responsible so please call us.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC 4050 Frances Rathbone on Leicester (0116) 222 2222, follow the instructions to leave a message for a police officer and when prompted key in the officer's identification number 4050. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers, which is free* and anonymous on 0800 555 111.

* Please note, some mobile 'phone service providers may charge for this call.

Issued on 11/01/10 at 15:40
Crime reference number: SM/00090/10-7

Frozen Lakes And Ponds 22.12.09

Leicestershire Police are warning youngsters and their parents of the potentially deadly consequences of playing on frozen lakes or ponds.

It comes after officers in Beaumont Leys were called to an area of frozen water off Bennion Road yesterday morning (Monday December 21st ) following reports of three boys walking on the ice. The youngsters were spoken to by officers and reminded of the dangers of their actions.

Sergeant Andrew Smith from Beaumont Leys Local Policing Unit said: "Every year we hear of tragedies where someone has fallen through the ice and drowned. Under no circumstances should children be playing on frozen ponds or lakes, you can never tell how much weight the ice can hold, and by the time you do it could be too late. You could also be putting other peoples lives at risk if they have to try and rescue you."

Please pass this message on to as many people as possible - your help is appreciated.

Three cars stolen as owners leave them to de-ice

Police are repeating their warning to motorists to avoid leaving their cars while de-icing, following the theft of three vehicles in the last two days.

On Wednesday (16 December), a £15,000 Ford Focus was taken from outside a house in Timberwood Avenue, Groby.

A £11,000 Ford Focus was taken from outside a house in Narborough at
about 7.45am today (17 December), and was driven away by two men. A
£33,000 Jaguar was taken from outside a house in Markfield Road, Groby, at 8.35, and driven away by one man.

All three had been left with their engines running while the vehicle
heating system cleared ice from the windscreen.

Last month Leicestershire Constabulary issued advice to be aware of this theft.

Inspector Marc Simons, from Leicestershire Constabulary's South
community safety bureau, said today: "We would urge motorist to stay
with their vehicle at any time it is unlocked, and they should never
leave it with the engine running.

"It is increasingly difficult to steal a modern car without its keys, so thieves look for other opportunities to steal them. Frosty mornings can give them just such an opportunity.

"As well as being a distressing crime, it can be an expensive one. Our past experience is that insurance companies will not pay out for cars stolen in these circumstances."

It is also an offence to leave a car with an engine running on a public highway, due to the risk of it causing an accident.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Leicestershire
Constabulary on 0116 222 2222. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers,
which is free* and anonymous on 0800 555 111.

* Please note, some mobile 'phone service providers may charge for this call

Crime numbers: SH/08162/09-3, SH/08188/09-9, SB/06681/09-3

Issued on 17/12/09 at 16:57

Appeal following common assault in Market Harborough

Police are appealing for witnesses after a girl in Market Harborough was the victim of a common assault.

The incident happened at about 5.30pm on Tuesday December 15, when the 14-year-old victim noticed a man walking towards her as she walked across Little Bowden Park in Northampton Road.

As the man passed her he turned around and grabbed her around the waist.

The victim managed to release herself from the man's grip and ran home.

She told her parents what had happened and then reported the incident to police.

The man is described as being about 6'1 to 6'2" tall, of medium build
and was wearing a cream or green parka style jacket with a fluffy hood. He was holding a can of lager at the time of the incident.

PC Steve Yearby, the officer investigating the incident, said: "The
victim felt very upset and scared after this incident and we hope that anyone with information about it will come forward.

"At 5.30pm many people would be driving home from work. If you live in or drive through the Northampton Drive area on your daily commute we would like you to think back. Can you remember seeing the incident? Did you see a man matching the description? Do you know who he is or know where he went to following the assault? If so then please call.

"When the incident happened the victim was shouting for the man to get off of her. If you were in the area you may have heard this and looked to see what it was, if so then please get in touch."

Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to contact PC 50 Steve Yearby on Leicester (0116) 222 2222, follow the instructions to leave a message for a police officer and when prompted key in the officer's identification number 0050. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers, which is free* and anonymous on 0800 555 111.

* Please note, some mobile 'phone service providers may charge for this call.

Issued on 18/12/09 at 11:42
Crime reference number: SM/04468/09-8

OFT AND SOCA WARN OF NEW JAMAICAN LOTTERY SCAM

The OFT and the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) are warning the
public to be on their guard against a new Jamaican-based lottery scam
which has already seen some UK residents lose thousands of pounds each.

Fraudulent telemarketers based in Jamaica are making unsolicited
phonecalls to consumers telling them they have won a sum of up to
£2.5million, in a lottery or sweepstake. The fraudsters often pretend to be lawyers, bank officials, customs officers or lottery representatives to try and convince consumers that their prize is genuine. However, to 'release' their winnings, victims are told they must send money to pay for taxes, processing fees, insurance or customs duties. Victims receive repeated calls for further money, and in some cases have suffered threats of violence, arrest and removal to Jamaica if they do not pay up.

The fraudsters have pressurised some elderly victims into sending off
their entire life savings. The victim's money ends up in the hands of
organised gangs and helps to fund other serious crime in Jamaica.

The fraudsters have also targeted consumers in other countries such as the United States where victims are estimated to have lost $30 million.
In response, SOCA and the OFT are working with international law
enforcement partners to tackle this and other types of mass marketed
fraud.

Heather Clayton, OFT Senior Director, said:

'We know that Jamaican-based lottery fraudsters have actively targeted US consumer in the past but we are now beginning to see this emerge as
a problem in the UK. What is despicable is that some victims have been threatened with violence to coerce them into handing over their life savings. A genuine lottery would never ask someone to pay taxes,
insurance or any other fee before receiving their 'winnings'.'

Sharon Lemon, Deputy Director at SOCA, said:

'There is no doubt that there are links between mass marketing fraud and other serious organised criminality, including drugs importation and threats of violence. Falling victim to mass marketing frauds is not something people bring on themselves. They are deliberately and
ruthlessly targeted by organised criminal groups. The potential harm
inflicted is not just financial, but physical and psychological. Law
enforcement, advice groups, and the public all have a part to play in
preventing these crimes.'

People needing advice on how to avoid scams can visit the Consumer
Direct website at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk or call the helpline on
08454 04 05 06.

Police recover three trailers taken in champagne raid

Three out of four lorry trailers stolen in a robbery have now been
recovered by police.

The trailers, filled with Moet et Chandon champagne, Red Bull and wine, were stolen during a raid on a warehouse in Magna Park, Lutterworth, at 11.25pm on Saturday, November 28.

The robbers brought four white tractor units with them, and drove out of the warehouse with the trailers within 15 minutes.

Two of the trailers were found in laybys on the A423 near Southam,
Warwickshire.

The third was found in the driveway of Kingsbury Rifle Range, near
Marston, Warwickshire. All the goods had been removed from the
curtain-sided trailers. The value of the haul is put at £343,000.

The curtains were left insecure and were flapping about dangerously. It is not known whether they were driven in this condition.

Police are still trying to trace the fourth trailer.

Each of the trailers was dark blue, with the livery "Cert Octavian".
Attempts had been made to paint over this livery and to unpick it.

Detective Constable Kevin Monk said: "We would like to speak to anyone who saw these trailers being unloaded, painted, or abandoned."

He said it would have taken some time for the offenders to unpick the
livery on the sides of the trailers, and they would have needed ladders or a loading bay to reach them.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC Kevin Monk on
Leicester (0116) 222 2222, follow the instructions to leave a message
for a police officer and when prompted key in the officer's
identification number 1483. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers, which is free* and anonymous on 0800 555 111.

* Please note, some mobile 'phone service providers may charge for this call.

Issued on 10/12/09 at 13:50
Crime reference number: SM/04259/09-3

Postal Scam Warning from Leicestershire Force Crime Prevention Officer

The Trading Standards Office are making people aware of the following
scam:

A card is posted through your door from a company called PDS (Parcel
Delivery Service) suggesting that they were unable to deliver a parcel and that you need to contact them on 0906 6611911 (a premium rate number).
DO NOT call this number, as this is a mail scam originating from Belize.
If you call the number and you start to hear a recorded message you will already have been billed £15 for the phone call. If you do receive a card with these details, then please contact ICSTIS (the premium rate service regulator) at www.icstis.org.uk or Trading Standards on via Consumer Direct on 08454 040506

Thefts of Copper Cable

This is a message to all our Watch members and Key Individuals from Harborough Police.

You may be aware that as a result of copper prices rising we are again suffering a number of thefts of copper all across the district. One particular target has been BT cabling. The technique employed by the offenders is to cut the wires at or near to a BT sub-station or junction box, often found on the outskirts of a village. They will then locate a BT inspection box up to 200 metres away from the original box, cut these wires and then pull the cable out. It is suspected that they will often use a vehicle to apply the necessary towing force.

If you notice any unusual activity at or near these locations, especially late at night please call the police immediately on 999.

Theft of sheep from field in Tur Langton

Police are appealing for witnesses after 23 lambs were stolen from a
field in Tur Langton.

The incident happened in Cranoe Road sometime between 7.30am on Saturday November 14 and 3pm on Sunday November 15, when the owners discovered the lambs were missing.

They reported the theft to the police the following Thursday (November 19) after searches for the lambs had been unsuccessful.

All the lambs have ear tags.

Detective Constable Frances Rathbone, the officer investigating the
incident, said: "We are appealing for anyone who has any information
regarding this incident to please get in touch.

"We believe that a vehicle was used to transport the sheep from the
field, so would like people who live or travel in the area to think back to Saturday November 14 and Sunday November 15.

"Can you remember hearing the sheep being moved into a vehicle? Perhaps you were walking in the area and the noise caught your attention? Maybe you saw a vehicle, which was carrying sheep, driving through the area?

Maybe you know someone who has recently acquired a number of lambs in
suspicious circumstances? If so then please call and help us with our
investigation."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC 4050 Frances Rathbone on Leicester (0116) 222 2222, follow the instructions to leave a message for a police officer and when prompted key in the officer's identification number 4050. Alternatively call Crimestoppers, which is free* and anonymous on 0800 555 111.

* Some mobile phone providers may charge for this call

Issued on 01/12/09 at 14:14
Crime reference number: SM/4142/09-1

Theft prevention advice for households with prestige vehicles

Householders with prestige cars are being advised on how to keep them
from thieves.

Modern vehicles are increasingly difficult to steal without the keys due to alarms and immobilisers. So car thieves are breaking into homes to take the vehicle keys.

They also use wires and other devices to try to hook keys through
letterboxes or cat flaps.

Over the past two months, thieves have stolen 20 sets of car keys in
this way across South Leicestershire (Blaby, Harborough, Hinckley and
Bosworth and Oadby and Wigston), and made a further 15 attempts.

PC Steve Day, Crime Reduction Officer for Leicestershire Constabulary's South Area, said: "It has been a growing problem in recent years.

"It's high value cars that tend to be left outside people's houses and not in garages. High value cars are pretty secure, especially the more modern models. But generally the security won't work if a thief has the vehicle keys."

PC Day gave the following advice to vehicle owners:

* Don't leave car keys visible
* Don't leave them on hallway table
* Don't leave them near the front door
* Consider getting an alarm for your house - most cars have alarms, but these rarely go off if a thief has the keys
* Consider fitting a tracker device to your vehicle.

Anyone wanting crime prevention advice in relation to these "car key" burglaries can leave a message for PC 1009 Steve Day by calling
Leicestershire Constabulary on 0116 222 2222. Follow the instructions to leave a message for an officer and when prompted key in PC Day's identification number 1009.

If you have information about this type of crime, call Leicestershire
Constabulary on 0116 222 2222, or Crimestoppers, which is free* and
anonymous on 0800 555 111.

* Please note, some mobile phone service providers may charge for this call.

Issued on 17/11/09 at 09:32

Appeal following theft from sheds in Hungarton

Police are appealing for witnesses after a leaf blower was stolen from a shed at the back of a property in Hungarton.

The incident happened sometime between 5.30am on Sunday October 25 and 2pm on Sunday November 1, 2009 when thieves broke into three sheds.

A white Ryobi leaf blower was stolen.

PC Paul Cumbers, who is investigating the incident, said: "I would
appeal to anybody with any information about this incident or knows who may be responsible to contact me.

"Have you been offered a leaf blower matching this description? Did you see any suspicious vehicles in the Hungarton area between the above dates? If so, please get in touch.

"I would also urge people to take every precaution possible to secure
their sheds and other outbuildings. Ensure valuable equipment is stored in a secure building behind a strong locked door, use locks that comply with the British Standards, good quality locking bars and high security padlocks and protect windows with metal bars or grilles."

Anybody with any information is asked to contact PC 2243 Paul Cumbers on Leicester (0116) 222 2222, follow the instructions to leave a message for a police officer and when prompted key in the officer's identification number 2243. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers, which is free* and anonymous on 0800 555 111.

* Please note, some mobile phone service providers may charge for this call.

Issued on 16/11/09 at 09:41
Crime reference number: SM/03895/09-3

Hoax Text

Sent: November 16, 2009

Today we have received the following email from a member of our
database. We have also had a number of telephone calls from people who have also received this text message. This is an hoax, and should be ignored.

"This morning I received from a well meaning friend a hoax text about
the attempted abduction of a little girl from Asda Thurmaston by
Romanian women. I recognised it as being in the format of internet
anti-minority stirring hoaxes, and my friend confirmed that, through her daughter who does work for Asda, it is indeed a hoax".

The telephone calls said that the text referred to Asda at Fosse Park.

I have spoken to Leicestershire Police, who also have employees that
have received this text, but they (the police) have no recorded
incidents of abduction in the force area.

Please do not send on these text messages

Phone Scam Alert - 11.11.09

This is a message to all Watch members and Key Individuals from Harborough & Lutterworth Police.

British Telecom is warning its customers to be on their guard after a series of phone scams involving people claiming to be calling from the company.

The scammers call up their victim and warn them that their account is in arrears.

They then ask for credit card or bank account details in order to settle the debt.

If the person refuses or asks for proof, the fraudsters then offer to prove who they are by disconnecting the phone line then and there.

Harborough Police would advise anyone who receives a call of this nature NOT to give out personal bank details under ANY circumstances and to simply to put the phone down and end the call. If on dialling 1471 - you are able to obtain the callers telephone number - this information would naturally be most useful to the police and we would welcome your calls on 0116 222 2222.

Please pass this message onto as many people as you can. Your help is truly appreciated.

Distraction Burglary - Seasonal Alert

This is a message to all watch members and Key Individuals from Harborough Police.

Traditionally at this time of year we expect a slight increase in the numbers of distraction burglaries in the area. Distraction burglaries are crimes where a bogus caller cons their way into the home of someone elderly or vulnerable in order to steal cash and valuables. In anticipation of this seasonal rise - Harborough & Lutterworth police would offer the following advice:-

. Always be suspicious of any unexpected callers and remember, no matter how urgent they make it sound - you don't have to let anyone in that you don't want to.
. Always remember:- There is no such thing as the "WATERBOARD". If anyone says they are from the "waterboard", they are lying - so call the police immediately on 999 and tell us as much detail as you can. Give us the chance to catch them.
. If anyone arrives on your doorstep who you are suspicious about, close the door and call the police immediately on 999. We need your calls to help us to stop these criminals before they get lucky somewhere else. Trust your gut feelings!

Please pass this message on to as many elderly and vulnerable people as you can. By spreading the word you can help to prevent them becoming victims of this particularly unpleasant crime.

Your help is really appreciated.

Reporting Suspected Drugs Offences 22.10.09

This is a message to all Watch members and Key Individuals from Harborough Police.

Following some recent discussions with some of our watch members - it has become apparent that many people witness suspicious activity that they suspect is linked with illegal dealing or use of drugs of one sort or another. It appears that many people witnessing this kind of activity don't report it to the police for various reasons.

Harborough Police would urge all our watch members to report anything they suspect is related to the trade in illegal drugs, to the police immediately.

Things that you may see and wish to report could be:-

. People sharing a cigarette.
. Transactions taking place eg:- passing small packages in exchange for cash.
. Burnt tin foil - an indicator that heroin is being smoked.
. Modified plastic bottles - home made "bongs" which indicate that cannabis is being smoked.
. Dealer bags - small plastic bags (often self sealing) which indicate that drugs are being bought and sold.
. Ripped packets of "Rizla" rolling papers - another indicator that cannabis is being smoked.
. Burnt or blackened spoons - an indicator that heroin may be being used intravenously.

If you believe that a crime is in progress (dealing or using drugs) you can report this to the police on 999. If you want to report anything less urgent - you can call the police on 0116 222 2222 or you can report directly to your Neighbourhood Policing Team via the force website at www.leics.police.uk .

Appeal to trace garden theft items stolen

Officers from Market Harborough local policing unit are appealing for
information to trace the whereabouts of items stolen in a garden theft in Goadby.

The incident happened sometime between Wednesday September 30 and FridayOcto ber 9, 2009 when a garden sculpture was stolen from the back garden of a property.

It is described as Zimbabwe Serpentine statue of two vultures. It is
made of stone and is 3ft tall.

Also stolen between these dates was a chicken coup which contained eight chickens.

DC Frances Rathbone, who is investigating this incident, said: "Due to the size and weight of the items taken, a vehicle would have been used to move them from the site.

"If you saw anyone acting suspiciously in the Goadby area between these dates please get in touch. We also want to hear from anyone who may have been offered this statue or chickens for sale in suspicious circumstances."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC 4050 Frances Rathbone on 0116 2222222, follow the instructions to leave a message for a police officer and when prompted key in the officers identification number 4050. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers, which is free* and anonymous on 0800 555 111.

Stolen Fireworks

Sometime between the 12th and the 16th of October a quantity of large professional fireworks were stolen from secure premises within Harborough District - we cannot be more specific than that for ongoing security reasons.

The fireworks that were stolen are extremely dangerous and are designed to be set off by a machine as part of a professional display. They are not designed to be lit by hand and as such they pose a real threat to anyone trying to light them as they may explode immediately.

If you have any information which could help us trace these fireworks or the people who stole them or if you are offered the chance to buy some large fireworks, please contact the police immediately by phoning 0116 222 2222. The worst case scenario is that these fireworks could end up in the hands of children where the consequences could be severe.

Please pass this message onto as many relevant people as possible. Your help is appreciated.

AN EXCELLENT RESULT

This is a good news message to all our watch members from Harborough & Lutterworth police in conjunction with the Harborough District Neighbourhood Watch Association.

Distraction burglars recently attempted to gain access to the home of a vulnerable resident in the village of Hallaton. They told her that they were from the “Water Board” and asked if they could come in to turn on the taps. They said that they needed to do this to prevent flooding further down the road.

Unfortunately for these thieves, their intended victim had been a Neighbourhood Watch coordinator for over 20 years and she knew straight away that they were lying and that there is no such thing as the “Water Board”. She closed the door and immediately phoned the police on 999.

Rapid response officers arrived within a few minutes but the thieves had left the area. Whilst the incident didn’t result in any arrests, a crime was prevented. By being vigilant and calling the police straight away this lady prevented herself being targeted and gave a clear message to the thieves, that they won’t get lucky on our patch!

Harborough & Lutterworth police would remind all our elderly and vulnerable residents that there is no such thing as the “Water Board” and if anyone uses this excuse, please phone us immediately on 999. When an unexpected caller knocks on your door, trust your instincts, if you are at all suspicious, call us out on 999.