Information on Loughborough

Christmas crime prevention advice given to hundreds of shoppers in Loughborough

Posted on 23/12/2008

Christmas crime prevention advice given to hundreds of shoppers in Loughborough

Hundreds of shoppers in Loughborough have been given crime prevention and fire safety advice this Christmas.

Representatives from the police, Charnwood Borough Councils Communities and Partnership Team and the Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service based themselves in Market Street in the town centre on the first three Thursdays in December to offer a range of support, advice and help to shoppers.

They gave out hundreds of purse bells and handbag alarms to prevent purse thefts and a range of crime prevention leaflets were available on a number of topics to help people avoid becoming a victim of crime such as how to prevent thefts of Christmas presents from vehicles and homes during the festive period.  Fire officers were also there to remind people to check their smoke alarms.

PC 2062 Nathaniel Lockley, from the Outwoods and Forest Road neighbourhood, arranged for a selection of officers from Loughboroughs nine neighbourhood beats to be there.

He said; "Over the three days we have spoken to hundreds of people and had a really positive reaction from everyone.  Weve dealt with a range of issues and been able to reassure people with lots of help and advice.  Weve also been asking people if they know who their neighbourhood beat officers are and, if not, weve been giving them the appropriate neighbourhood newsletter.

"Its been great to have such a highly visible presence in the town centre on some of the busiest days before Christmas and the beat bus and fire pod have attracted a lot of attention.  The atmosphere has been very friendly and we hope weve got some really important crime prevention messages through to lots of people."

Councillor David Snartt, Chairman of the Charnwood Community Partnership said "This was an excellent way to engage with the local community, especially as member agencies of the partnership were able to give first hand advice in many aspects of their safety work.

"I was particularly pleased to see the handbag/purse alarms being fitted. After a few recent thefts involving the most vulnerable members of our community, I believe this initiative will hopefully deter thieves and give reassurance to residents when out shopping.

"The advice on Christmas theft was also welcomed, especially, in my view, making sure you dispose of the packaging of high value goods carefully, if not, it might encourage criminals to target your property."