Police Alerts For Glenfield

Metal Theft

Metal theft enforcement day

Leicestershire Constabulary has held a day of enforcement around the county as part of an ongoing operation to tackle the theft of metal and cable.

As part of Operation Ebony, officers have been working closely in partnership with the Environment Agency, Trading Standards and the Vehicle and Operator Service Agency (VOSA), to pull together the joint powers and experience of these agencies to combat metal theft.

The theft of metal and electrical cable has a significant impact on local communities and can impact on the local and national travel infrastructure with thefts from the rail network and electrical sub-stations. Leicestershire Constabulary is determined to put a stop to it, but need information relating to suspicious activity involving scrap metal or large quantities of electrical cabling.

Do you know someone who has started stockpiling scrap metal/cables?
Do you know someone who is handling scrap metal / scrap cars?
Have you seen suspicious activity where metal products are being moved / stripped?

The enforcements focussed on scrap metal dealers and those individuals who are suspected of supplying them with stolen items and forms part of a national campaign to combat what is an international problem.

We are using the combined experience and intelligence gathered from all of the agencies involved in the operation, as well as the latest policing technology, to track down and arrest offenders.

Our officers are reinforcing the message for anyone who may have information about the theft of metal, including scrap cars, to contact Leicestershire Constabulary on 0116 222 2222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Thefts from cars

There has been a sudden increase in the number of thefts from motor vehicles in Glenfield. It would appear that persons are moving around the village testing vehicle doors. If found unlocked the cars are quickly searched for valuables. Whilst forced entry is has not increased, goods have been taken from over 20 vehicles in the first days of the New Year.

PC Steve Day, South area crime reduction officer, said: "We are urging motorists not to give thieves a reason to break in by leaving valuable items on show. We have identified in previous initiatives that around three quarters of vehicles broken into had items on display.

"Sat navs in particular are very attractive to thieves and can be snatched from a car within seconds. Even a carrier bag or an old coat left on a back seat could be a target for a thief.

"If you have a sat nav, always remove it from view, together with any leads and the cradle. Don't leave it in the glove box or under the seat as thieves know where to look. If you have a removable stereo then take this with you too."

Anyone wanting advice on vehicle security should view the crime reduction page on Leicestershire Constabulary's website. Alternatively contact PC 1009 Steve Day on (0116) 222 2222 and when prompted enter the officers identification number 1009 to leave a message.

Anyone with information about vehicle crime can call Leicestershire Constabulary on 0116 222 2222. Alternatively call
Crimestoppers, which is free and anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

REMEMBER TO KEEP YOUR VEHICLE LOCKED

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Have you got the metal?

With the rise in the price of scrap metal there has been an increase in the number of thefts of "scrap metal". It may not be scrap to you!

Vans are cruising the area and people have been seen looking into gardens to spot metal, which then disappears.

If you see something that you feel uneasy about contact the police.

Please make sure your items are secure and out of view and if you see someone on a neighbours property do not assume all is well.

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Motor Bikes

Following a rash of inappropriate behaviour from riders on motor bikes and mopeds several motorbikes have been confiscated.

However, there are still the few occasions when this sort of behaviour continues. We continue to need your help to identify these riders. Please report to the Police (0116 222222) these incidents. We do need registrations, and/or descriptions to allow us to stop this anti-social behaviour. With identification these bikes will also be taken off the riders. The riders need to pay a fee of £105 and produce the correct paper work to get them back. Confiscation can take place each time the anti-social riding takes place.

Riders beware - riding in these areas may lead to the confiscation of your motor bike under Section 59 of the Road Traffic Act 2002.

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Sat Nav’s

Remember to take your Sat Nav out of your vehicle when you leave it unattended. If you leave it in your vehicle, or any evidence of the possibility that it is in the vehicle, then it will be taken. There have been a number of thefts of this type, or break ins to vehicles on the suspicion of a Sat Nav being in it, of late in the Glenfiled area.

Under Slung Spare Wheels

Be aware that there has been a number of thefts of this type. It is the vehicles that have their spare wheels under the boot area, i.e. Citroen Picasso. Use a chain to lock it to the cradle.

Bogus Charity Callers

Police in Glenfield are advising residents to be cautious following reports of bogus callers operating in the area.

In the last fortnight officers have received two reports that people have been knocking on doors in the Glenfield area claiming to be collecting for a charity for the deaf and mute. They carry a clipboard with a record sheet showing previous donations from other householders. The clipboard has recognised disability and deaf symbols on it.

The callers are usually white and in their late teens to early twenties. Victims have described them as being of Eastern European appearance.

Police checks have revealed that the callers have no official affiliation with any registered charity and are advising homeowners to call the police if anyone fitting this description visits their home.

Local Beat Officer, PC Mike Cawley, said: "After reports from two members of the public about suspicious callers in the Glenfield area we have launched an investigation. Our enquiries lead us to believe that these callers have knocked on the door of homes all over the Glenfield area and obtained donations from numerous residents who believed them to be genuine.

"If you are one of these residents 1 would like to hear from you so we can establish the scale of the problem and identify any new information that could help take our investigation forward.

"It is important that local people are cautious when opening the door to strangers - particularly those asking for money on the doorstep. If anyone has a visit from people fitting the description of the bogus callers or anyone else they believe to be suspicious we urge them to contact the police as soon as possible.

"Genuine charity collectors will always have official identification and will have no problem with you verifying that they are who they say they are by calling the number in the phonebook. DO NOT USE A NUMBER SUPPLIED BY THE CALLER."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact PC 1868 Mike Cawley on (0116) 222 2222, follow the instructions to leave a message for a police officer and when prompted key in the officer's identification number 1868. Alternatively, people can contact Crimestoppers, which is free* and anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

*Some mobile phone networks may charge for this call.