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.

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. .

A revolutionary crime-fighting initiative launched to warn burglars to stay away from homes in Market Harborough is embarking on its second round.
Operation SmartHomes, a Harborough Community Safety Partnership (CSP) initiative, has been out this week offering local residents the chance to have their valuable property security marked with SmartWater for free.
Members of the Harborough CSP team, police and Neighbourhood Watch volunteers have hand delivered hundreds of invitations to homes across the area, each containing a letter, a quick survey and a response slip... More » « Less

Are you interested in organising some clear ups in their streets, parks, open spaces or wherever needs a little TLC?
Each organisation needs to register on the website stating where and when they are organising a tidy up. the council will collect the waste and on the webpage details are entered of the amount of waste collected and also the chance to put in photos to advertise your group (all publicity is good publicity)
Use this link for the webpage...it is great fun www.thebigtidyup.org

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

Claybrooke Magna and Claybrooke Parva
Sculpting the future of the Claybrookes!
Claybrooke Parva and Claybrooke Magna, in the Harborough area, have completed their Parish Plan and the Report and Action Plan was launched on Saturday 21st June at 3pm.
Trevor Dawes, the Chairman of the Parish Plan Group and Clerk of the Village Hall Committee, introduced the Report and Action Plan, with an explanation of the value of Parish Plans from Hazel Fish from the Rural Community Council. Copies were available for all villagers and will be distributed to every household. Trevor invited villagers to sign up for many new activities, including an environmental and heritage group and a neighbourhood watch group at a champagne/wine reception on Saturday. There was a slide show about the Village Plan, which ran continuously for the 2 days of the Village Fete, with the sign up sheets as well as displays from the school and local artists. Rosita Page, the County and Borough Council was present and responses were displayed from both Leicestershire County Council and Harborough District Council.
Many of the Actions have already been started, which were shown in the displays, e.g. increasing the use of the Village Hall and the provision of a revitalised play area.
Full details of the Plan can be viewed below.For information contact Hazel Fish Tel 01162689707 hfish@ruralcc.org.uk.. 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.

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

Use this link to download the latest Neighbourhood Watch newsletter from Harborough District NHW

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