Information on Loughborough

Six people arrested following multi-agency operation

Posted on 30/07/2009

arrest,villain,police,constabulary Six people arrested following multi-agency operation

Six people aged between 21 and 41, have been arrested following a multi-agency operation to tackle crime associated with the Greenacres Park travellers' site, Leicester Road, Market Harborough.

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.

On Wednesday July 29, 2009, officers from Leicestershire police lead a multi-agency operation covering the traveller’s site.

A 41-year-old man arrested on suspicion of threatening behaviour and a 21-year-old man arrested on suspicion of assault, have been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Another man, also aged 41, was arrested in connection with two offences of grievous bodily harm.  He is still being questioned by police.

A 25-year-old man arrested for non-payment of fines has been released from court.

A 22-year-old man who had absconded from prison was arrested and returned to prison.

A 39-year-old woman was also arrested but later released with no further action.

Representatives from Harborough Magistrates Court Fines Enforcement, Harborough District Council planning department, DVLA, HM Revenue and Customs, Environment Agency and Trading Standards worked in partnership to pull together their joint powers and experience for the operation.

Harborough Magistrates Court Fines Enforcement collected over £1,000 in unpaid fines, which was paid in cash on the day. Twenty three 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 - all tested negative. The DVLA recovered a stolen caravan.

Inspector Neal Holland, local policing unit commander at Market Harborough, 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.