HARBOROUGH DISTRICT NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH ASSOCIATION

Local Policing Unit Details

Harborough District Neighbourhood Watch Association is the ONLY recognised association for all Police registered Neighbourhood Watch schemes in this district.

Insp Holland has been the commander of Harborough local policing unit since November 2008. He said: "Working with the community and our partner agencies to deal with issues that impact on people’s quality of life is the most important aspect of policing in the Harborough District.''

Community News & Police Appeals

Police Appeal for Information re Distraction Burglary

This is a message to all residents of Houghton on the Hill from Harborough Police.
Harborough Police are appealing for help from the public following a distraction burglary in Houghton on the Hill.

The burglary happened early afternoon on Thursday July 29, 2010 when the elderly resident received a knock at her front door at her property on Weir Lane.

She answered to the door to a man claiming to be selling household items. The woman let the man into her house before buying a pair of scissors from him. During the sale, the man asked the victim for a glass of water to which she gave him one.

The man left shortly after and the victim then noticed her purse containing a quantity of cash was missing.

He is described as white, between 45 and 50-years-old, about 5’9” to 5’11” tall and of a stocky build. He was wearing a flat cap and carrying a sports holdall.

PC Steve Winn, who is investigating the incident, said: “There's a possibility the suspect may have visited other properties in the area and we are keen to hear from anyone who was visited by a man matching this description either on this Thursday or saw him in the area at the time of the incident.

"There are several steps people can take to reduce their chances of becoming a victim of distraction burglary.

"If someone comes to your door and you do not recognise them, don't answer the door. Any genuine callers will not be offended and you can ask them to come back another time when you can have a friend or relative with you.

"The best advice is to be over cautious. Either don't answer the door or make sure you leave the security chain on while you check their identity."

Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to contact PC 1524 Steve Winn on 0116 2222222, follow the instructions to leave a message for a police officer and when prompted key in the officer's identification number 1524. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers, which is free* and anonymous on 0800 555 111 * Please note some mobile phone providers may charge for this call.

Crime reference number: SM/02726/10-8

Henry Whatley (7729)
Community Initiatives Coordinator
Harborough & Lutterworth Police

Police act against Drugs in Market Harborough

Police have dealt with 34 individuals for drug offences in Market Harborough and surrounding villages over the past three months.

Officers carried out nine drug warrants on properties in the beat area that covers Market Harborough and the Bowdens between the beginning of May and the end of July.

As a result, two people have been charged with possessing cannabis with intent to supply it; one charged with supplying cannabis; and one charged with producing cannabis.

Two people have been charged with possessing a class A drug (crack and heroin), and one person has been given a caution for possessing a class A drug (heroin). Another two people are on bail having been arrested on suspicion of possessing a class A drug (ecstasy and cocaine).

Twenty-two people were dealt with for personal possession of cannabis, one for possession of mephedrone (M-CAT), and one for possessing other people’s prescription drugs. Some of these were given £80 fixed penalties, others cautions or reprimands, and some were charged and will be dealt with by the courts.

Inspector Neal Holland, commander of Harborough local policing unit, said: “My officers have had many successes over the past few months in identifying known drug dealers and we will continue to act on information from the community to get warrants and target these people.
“We are also going to areas where drugs are used. Many users who feel it is safe to drive out of town to a farm gateway of their choosing have been picked up by officers and have been surprised to see us!”

Anyone with information about illegal drug use or supply should contact Leicestershire Constabulary on 0116 222 2222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Below you will findlatest Neighbourhood Policing Newsletter for your area. It contains news about your neighbourhood policing priorities, a message about performance from our Local Policing Unit Commander as well as the names, faces and contact details for your local beat officers.