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.

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

Following the recent high profile reports of gun and knife crime among young people in the media, Crimestoppers' youth website www.shadowcs.co.uk for 11 to 16 year olds is running an anti-gun and knife week starting today.
Young people will be encouraged to discuss the issue of gun and knife crime anonymously. They will also be able to play our new 'Gun Runner' game developed with the help of young people in South London, as well as our existing 'Knife Drop' game.
Launched in October 2007, www shadowcs.co.uk has proved a great success for the charity, attracting over a million hits from young people throughout the UK who have logged on to play its range of educational games, contributed to chat forums and sought anonymous advice about crime... More » « Less

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.

Many representations were received from local residents concerned that the sports area restriction would effectively ban dogs from some open spaces. Also concerns over enforceability.
We understand that Blaby District Council now intend to proceed with
* An order effectively banning dogs from all enclosed children's play areas within the District (MARKED SPORTS AREAS WILL BE REMOVED FROM THIS ORDER)
* Dogs on lead by Direction Order to be adopted.
Timetable :-
September/October 2008 - New signage to be erected around the District
November/December 2008 - Publish new orders and commencement dates in local newspaper. Place copy orders around the District in relevant locations.. More » « Less

Use this link to read Leicestershire Police Authority’s response to the Government’s capping announcement made earlier today.
Kind regards,
Alison Watson
Engagement & Communications Officer
Leicestershire Police Authority

Leicester City Council has submitted a planning application for a Car Boot Sale at the Meynells Gorse Park and Ride Site. It is proposed to operate each Sunday throughout the year.
It is proposed that the sellers would arrive at the site from 6am and would be parked for trade on the site immediately.
158 car park spaces would be allocated to the public while 332 spaces would be allocated to the trade area (each trader would require 2 spaces).
The car boot sale would close no later than 4pm and the litter would be swept and collected by the refuse team.
The deadline date for responses is 9th July 2008 and if you require further information, please contact the case officer, Mrs A Smith, on 2527231. Observations should be forwarded to Leicester City Council who will determine the application.
The Town Council's Plans & Environment Committee will however receive the application to make comment at its next meeting on 3rd July 2008 at 7pm at the Braunstone Civic Centre. There is an agenda item to allow members of the public to make representation and comment at that meeting.
A copy of the application is also available for inspection at the Town Council's offices between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday. Alternatively the plans can be downloaded from the City Council's website by using the heading link above (search for planning application 20080844).. More » « Less

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.

If you would like to book a FREE fund raising stall for your Community Group or Charity please contact Pauline Hurd 0116 289 0045 for more information

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

Braunstone in Bloom Nomination Forms available from the Civic Centre - 0116 2890045 - Closing date for completed forms 1st July 2008

Residents and people who work in Braunstone Town are being invited to meet their neighbourhood police officers who are holding beat surgeries at the Braunstone Town Civic Centre, Kingsway, on the following dates:
Thursday June 26th from 3pm to 5pm with PC 1955 Martin Aston
Thursday July 24th from 3pm to 5pm with PC 4451 Sonja Freeston and PCSO 6103 Michelle Whitbread
Friday 22nd August from 3pm to 5pm with PCSO 6103 Lewis Dedmen-Ert
The officers will be available to chat with residents about any policing concerns they may have and to offer crime prevention advice.
PC 4451 Sonja Freeston: "The neighbourhood team is currently working on three priorities for the area. These are to combat anti-social behaviour and criminal damage in and around the area of Franklin Park, Bramble Way, Camden Road and Rosamund Avenue. Tackle the issues concerning underage drinking amongst local youths and target offenders of speeding in and around the beat.
"We hope these beat surgeries are an opportunity for us to update residents on the progress we are making and to hear of any other local issues affecting the community."
To leave a message for a member of the Braunstone Town neighbourhood team please call Leicestershire Constabulary on (0116) 222 2222. Follow the instructions to leave a message and when prompted key in the voicemail number 4451... 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