Information on Loughborough

Partnership at local beauty spots

Posted on 10/07/2007
P. Klein

car with smashed windowCharnwood Borough Council, the Police and partners are targeting car crime this summer by providing drivers in beauty-spot car parks with information as soon as they park up.

During dates across July and August, the Community Safety Team from Charnwood Borough Council together with Leicestershire Police and key partners will be at various beauty-spot car parks across the Borough, including the Bradgate Car Park at Newton Linford (about 5 miles from Loughborough).

The dates will be: 13th and 15th July and 11th, 12th, 26th and 27th August.

Information will be given out on vehicle and cycle crime prevention as well as tagging bikes of anybody that lives in the Borough.

Allison Fadesco, Community Safety Department at Charnwood Borough Council based in Loughborough, said: "Were working with the Police and partners to reduce car crime in the Borough; our involvement will focus on educating motorists about the dangers of leaving goods on view in their cars and being more aware of vehicle security.

"Were continuing to focus on the car parks in beauty spots that people dont traditionally think of as being threats to their security but at the same time can provide rich pickings for opportunist thieves. Thankfully the figure of this type of crime is on the down-turn but we do need to keep reiterating the messages.

Information will also be given children including booklets on cycle and road safety as well as promoting the Domestic Violence Helpline, personal safety and general crime prevention advice.

Pc Steve Rhodes and Pc Darren Chalk, the Police Beat Officers for Bradgate Park and The Beacon, are pleased that other agencies are working with them on the car parks. Visitors come not only from Leicestershire, but also from other parts of the country to enjoy these popular beauty spots. Pc Rhodes said: "Lots of families and friends come for walks and picnics at Bradgate Park and, because they are having a relaxed time, they can sometimes forget to protect their property.

"We are carrying out regular crime prevention days on the car parks to remind people about the easy and cost effective things they can do to ensure they dont become a victim of crime.

"It also acts as a deterrent to opportunist thieves. We would urge all visitors to leave handbags, cameras, mobiles and other valuable items at home or take them with you but never leave them in the boot of your car, or worse still on the back seat and in full view of passers-by."