Community Safety Partnership (CSP) winter 2023/24 newsletter

Darker nights campaign

With darker days and nights upon us, local police forces are reminding residents about how they can keep their homes safe from burglars. 

Unfortunately, the winter nights can make it easier for burglars to hide in darkness - and for unoccupied and unlit houses to be easier to spot.

However, Leicestershire Police's ‘darker nights campaign’ encourages homeowners to take simple, precautionary measures in a bid to cut-down burglaries. These steps include locking all windows and doors before leaving a property, as well as leaving a light on when you go out, or using an automatic light timer to give the appearance that you are home.

In addition, local police at Hinckley Police Station have secured funding from Hinckley & Bosworth and Blaby’s Community Safety Partnership (CSP) from the Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicestershire to support victims of burglaries with special packs which contain items such as light timers, window alarms, CCTV stickers and information leaflets. These will be rolled out across the borough to support and reassure victims of burglary.

Funding has also been secured to distribute faraday pouches to individuals with keyless cars to prevent keyless car theft throughout Hinckley and Bosworth. Faraday pouches block signals that car thieves use to remotely start cars and then steal them. 

Op Sceptre

During November, Hinckley Police took part in Operation Sceptre, a national operation seeking to bth raise awareness and tackle knife-related crime. Operation Sceptre targets all areas of knife crime, from raising awareness about the dangers of carrying knives, to what you can do if you have concerns about a friend or family member who may be carrying.

During the week of operation knife amnesty, bins were made available in the front office of Hinckley Police station for anyone wanting to dispose of any knives or sharply pointed items. This is still available in police stations for people to visit anytime and dispose of items accordingly.

Throughout the week, officers engaged in beat surgeries and knife sweeps of hot spot locations, checking for hidden or discarded weapons. Proactive operations with knife wands took place around the area, while groups of young people were spoken to and given advice. Police distributed advice leaflets and heart-shaped stress balls to remind people of the need to put lives before knives. The hearts were provided through the support of the Community Safety Partnership.

CSP Christmas Campaign

Hinckley & Bosworth’s Community Safety Partnership launched a Christmas campaign to help people keep safe during the festive season. This year’s annual campaign raised awareness of a number of issues that affect the community during this time of year, including crime prevention tips to prevent vehicle crime and burglary, fire safety advice, personal safety information and domestic abuse.

The Partnership also raised awareness of Ask for Angela, an initiative which enables those who feel unsafe or vulnerable when out in bars or clubs to discreetly approach staff at participating venues, asking for ‘Angela’. This is a code phrase which will indicate that they require help with their situation. 

The partnership also delivered workshops with young people in schools and colleges in the run up to Christmas to highlight the risks of substance misuse and to offer them advice on personal safety. Night-time economy street marshals were employed in the town centre on key nights over Christmas and New Year to improve feelings of safety and to reduce the likelihood of offences.

Last updated: 26/01/2024 12:04