May I start with an amendment to last month's update in which I stated incorrectly that a local beat office was located in Great Glen; it is, however, situated within the Thurnby beat at Manor Park Pavilion in the heart of the community. Well done to those that spotted my deliberate mistake, the winner drawn at random will receive a box of stale 'mince pies' in the New Year! 

In the first part of my update I would like to inform you of our current performance as the year draws to a close and to make you aware of some of those successes your local officers have achieved within the last two months.

Market Harborough and Lutterworth Local Policing Units (LPU's) continue to perform to a very high standard due to the commitment of those officers and staff that work there. Our current performance figures for dwelling house burglaries are down by 28.1% which equates to 38 less victims of crime, compared to this time less year. Our commercial burglaries are down by 26.5% which equates to 30 less victims of crime compared to this time last year.

Theft of motor vehicles, whilst decreasing remains at the same level as last year, I can reassure you that the team continues to work hard to reduce this area of crime. At this time of year I would ask for your help by not leaving your car de-frosting unattended with the keys in it. Last year several cars were stolen whilst de-frosting, the consequences of this could be that your insurance company may not pay out for this type of claim.

We continue to listen to our communities and respond quickly to those areas of demand within them. In early December Pc 1774 Andy Parkinson, Pc 341Pete Lambley and PCSO 6090 Matt Kiff undertook new roles as neighbourhood beat officers for the Fleckney, Saddington and surrounding villages. In addition, Pc 1523 Paul Williams has joined Pc 4697 Emily Dickens and PCSO 6664 Anil Mehta for the area of Scraptoft, Thurnby and surrounding villages. All of these officers bring a wealth and variety of experience to these new roles and I wish them every success.

We continue to instigate proactive policing in the Harborough and Lutterworth area and we have undertaken several operations during November and December. 

Sergeant 2908 Steve Bunn implemented 'Operation Legend', a joint operation with local police officers and the Roads Policing Unit. This was a response operation to counter theft from 'curtain sided' lorries in the vicinity of the Magna Business Park area of the A5/A4304. I am pleased to say that no lorries were attacked during the operations and two people were arrested for a large theft of diesel.

Pc 1774 Andy Parkinson in collaboration with Harborough District Council Licensing department, Revenue and Customs fuel testing undertook 'Operation Lanyard' a Taxi Licensing operation in Market Harborough. 25 taxis were stopped and checked, 1one vehicle was seized and several issued with endorsable penalty notices. (A special thank you to TANVC who allowed us to use their premises)  

The force wide 'Drink Drive' campaign started in December and to date 74 people have been arrested for 'drink driving', four of which live within the Market Harborough and Lutterworth area.

All Neighbourhood officers and staff at Market Harborough and Lutterworth are embracing 'Twitter and Facebook' and you can follow the link below to find your local Neighbourhood team. Please follow the teams to keep updated with local policing in your area.

http://www.leics.police.uk/news/5871_find_local_officers_on_facebook_and/

If you have any concerns or issues within your community not requiring a 999 response please contact your local officer whose details can be found on the Leicestershire Constabulary's website http://www.leics.police.uk or call 101 the none emergency number.

A special plea from me, at this time of year and during the winter months if you have a neighbour that lives alone, please check on them regularly to ensure that they are safe and warm.  Thank you!

Finally I would like to wish everyone a 'Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year' from everyone at Market Harborough and Lutterworth police and we look forward to dealing with those many challenges which face us in the new year.

Inspector Paul Mckinder

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