Information on Loughborough

Four arrested following multi-agency operation

Posted on 01/06/2009

arrest,villain,police,constabulary Four arrested following multi-agency operation

A total of four people have been arrested following a multi-agency operation to tackle crime associated with the Costalot traveller’s site near Bagworth.

The intelligence-led operation was launched to reassure the local community, as well as those living on the site, that the police and other local agencies are tackling the minority of people they believe are involved in crime.

At 6am on Thursday 28 May, 2009, officers from Hampshire police carried out a raid at one property on the site in relation to vehicle theft. One man aged 20 was arrested on conspiracy to steal motor vehicles. He has been released on police bail.

Leicestershire police then lead a multi agency operation covering the whole traveller’s site as well as the new, unauthorised development, and the roads leading up to it.

This resulted in two men in their 20s being arrested on suspicion of theft of a motorbike and another man arrested for being wanted on a warrant.

Representatives from Hinckley Magistrates Court Fines Enforcement, Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council planning department, Vehicle Operator Services Agency (VOSA), DVLA, HM Revenue and Customs, Environment Agency and Trading Standards worked in partnership to pull together their joint powers and experience for the operation.

HM Court Fines Enforcement collected over £670 in unpaid fines, which was paid in cash on the day. VOSA gave seven vehicles prohibition notices for being un- road worthy, which meant they could not be used until they were properly fixed.

Thirty three other vehicles had their fuel tanks checked by HM Revenue and Customs to make sure they were not running on red diesel, which is taxed at a lower rate. One vehicle was seized and one owner paid a £500 fine.

Inspector Martyn Ball, commander of the Hinckley and Bosworth local policing unit, who co-ordinated the operation, said: “This was a very successful, intelligence led operation, which pooled together of a number of local agencies, to tackle criminals associated with the traveller’s site.

“We want to increase confidence and reassure the local community that Leicestershire police, along with the combined weight of all the other local agencies available, are cracking down on the minority of people living on the site who commit crime. 

“This should send out a clear message that we are tackling the issue and anyone involved will not get away with it.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Leicestershire Constabulary on Leicester (0116) 222 2222 or Crimestoppers which is free* and anonymous on 0800 555 111.

*Some mobile phone networks may make a charge for this call.