Appeal for information after man robbed in a Birstall park

Detectives from Charnwood local policing unit are appealing for witnesses after a 43-year-old man was robbed in a park in Birstall.
The victim was walking through Birstall Park in School Lane at about 11.20pm on Friday March 18 when he was approached by two men who threatened him and demanded property.
The victim was threatened with a weapon believed to be an air gun or BB gun before the offenders made off with a small amount of cash and his HTC Desire mobile telephone.
The victim received a minor injury to his face during the incident.
Both offenders had their faces covered and were wearing dark clothing. The offender who was carrying the weapon has been described as being about 5’10-6’ tall and of medium build.
The second offender was about 5’5”-5’6” tall and of medium build.
Detective Constable Kim Potter is investigating the incident, she said: “The victim was returning home from an evening out and understandably the incident has left him quite shocked.
“It’s very important that we speak to anyone who was in the area during the evening of Friday March 18, did you see two men acting suspiciously or have you heard rumours locally about who was responsible?
“We can assure anyone who has any doubts about contacting the police with information, that your call will be dealt with in confidence and you can also report information via Crimestoppers, which is free and anonymous.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC 4269 Kim Potter on Leicester (0116) 222 2222, follow the instructions to leave a message for a police officer and when prompted key in the officer’s identification number 4269. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, which is free* and anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Issued on 29/03/11 at 10:50
Crime reference number: NH/01372/11-8

(copied from Leicestershire Constabulary website)
- posted by allan on Tuesday, March 29, 2011

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Warning about telephone calls from bogus police officials.

Leicestershire Constabulary has issued a warning to the public about telephone calls from people posing as police officials.
Officers are currently investigating two incidents where elderly people have received telephone calls from people claiming they are from the fraud squad in London and are investigating financial organisations.
The caller requests personal details from the victim and requests that they withdraw a large amount of money from their account and meet them at a given location.
Fortunately in both cases the victims became suspicious of the telephone call and reported the matter to the police.
PC Wesley Nelson is investigating the incidents, he said: “From enquiries we’ve conducted so far it’s believed the telephone calls may have been made from abroad but the numbers registering in the telephones are London numbers.
“We have determined that the numbers are registered to customers abroad which is a legitimate practice and one that telephone service providers use on a regular basis.
“We would advise anyone who receives a similar telephone call to never disclose personal details to the caller or agree to hand money over, organisations such as the serious fraud office would not contact the public direct, they would liaise with the local police force.”

If you have been the victim of a similar crime or you have concerns about a call you have received then please contact Leicestershire Constabulary on (0116) 222 2222 or Crimestoppers, which is free* and anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

(Copied from Leicestershire Constabulary website)
- posted by allan on Thursday, March 24, 2011

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Female charged with theft.

A female who has been visiting the village from out of town has been charged with four counts of theft from stores and breach of a criminal anti-social behaviour order (CRASBO). She has been remanded.

(Information from local beat officer)
- posted by allan on Wednesday, March 23, 2011

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Warning - Cleaner repair scam.

One of our members has reported receiving a telephone call that started with, "Do you have a Dyson cleaner ?".
The conversation then continued with a very persistent sales pitch which offered a 'Two year service on the appliance at the bargain reduced price of £14.99'. The member refused the service but was suspicious about the caller and rang Dyson to check.
The reply from Dyson was that this is a scam and they receive many complaints along these lines. Invariably non existent faults are found and unnecessary repairs are carried out at very high prices.
Our advice is:- Wherever possible always use local businesses or contact the manufacturer for the names of authorised repairers.
- posted by allan on Saturday, March 19, 2011

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Burglary - Birstall Road.

A bungalow under renovation on Birstall Road, close to Holly Hayes, was burgled between 6.00pm Monday 14th March and 10.30am on Tuesday 15th March. An amount of copper piping, a copper water tank and various tools were stolen. There must have been a vehicle used to take away the property.
Were you in this area during these times, did you see any suspicious activity? Please report any information, however minor, on (0116) 2222222.

(Information from local beat officers)
- posted by allan on Wednesday, March 16, 2011

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Car Key Found.

A car key has been found and handed to the Watch.
It was found on Dalby Avenue close to the junction with Allington Drive. It is for a Ford car and is attached to a distinctive fob. If this is your key, please contact the Watch on (0116) 2676397.
- posted by allan on

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Police Surgery - Saturday 19th March.

Next Saturday, 19th March, a Police Surgery will take place alongside the regular NHW Advice Shop. It will be open from 10.00am until 12.00 noon, at the village Police Office on the Sibson Road car park.
Why not take this opportunity to come along and meet your local beat officers to discuss any local policing issues you may have and receive crime prevention advice which will reduce the chance of you becoming a victim in the future.
NHW committee members will, as usual, be on hand with a selection of alarms, fence spikes, padlocks etc, all sold at cost prices and coding of cycles will be available. You will also be offered a free cup of tea/coffee !
- posted by allan on Monday, March 14, 2011

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Appeal after aggravated burglary in Birstall

Detectives investigating an aggravated burglary in Birstall are appealing for public help to trace those responsible.
The incident took place at about 12.45pm on Tuesday February 22 in the Station Road area of Birstall when three men forced their way into the home and threatened the occupants.
The offenders have then made off with cash and jewellery. No one was hurt during the incident.
Two of the men responsible were white and were wearing either balaclavas or masks on their faces.
Detective Constable Sukhvinder Obhi is investigating the incident, he said: “This was a frightening incident which understandably has left the occupants of the house extremely shocked and distressed.
“The incident took place during the day and I am sure someone may have seen some men acting suspiciously or the offenders leaving the area, if you believe you can help then please get in touch.
“We would also urge anyone who saw a vehicle not usually seen in the area either being parked or driven around the area around lunchtime on Tuesday February 22 to contact us.
“Any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could help us move this investigation along. Any calls received will be treated in confidence.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC 575 Sukhvinder Obhi on Leicester (0116) 222 2222, follow the instructions to leave a message for a police officer and when prompted key in the officer’s identification number 0575. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, which is free* and anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Issued on 09/03/11 at 16:05
Crime reference number: NH/00896/11-7

(Copied from Leicestershire Constabulary website)
- posted by allan on Wednesday, March 09, 2011

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Scam - Warning.

We have been informed by our members of the following recent similar scams:-

1) Email. An email is received, warning you that your computer has a virus and asking you to 'Click Here' to clear it. This takes you to a site which asks you for payment by credit/debit card and personal details. Our member reported that this site/screen is actually quite difficult to get rid of.

2) Telephone. A telephone call is received warning you that your computer has a virus. The caller then proceeds to ask for details and payment as above.

I'm no expert on the subject, but I would question whether anyone you have not contacted yourself by email would know if you had a virus.

Do not give personal details or credit/debit card details to any website unless you are certain it is genuine. Always be wary of 'Click Here' instructions on unsolicited emails.
- posted by allan on Tuesday, March 08, 2011

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Park ranger assaulted in Watermead Country Park, Syston

Officers investigating an assault on a park ranger at Watermead Country Park in Syston are appealing for witnesses to contact them.
The incident took place at about 10.30am on Saturday February 26 in the Kingfisher Hide area of the park when the 37-year-old victim was approached by two men and then assaulted by one of the men.
The victim received injuries to his head and stomach during the incident and received medical treatment.
The man who assaulted the victim has been described as being of South-East Asian appearance, in his early 20s, about 5’11”, of stocky build, with short dark hair and wide looking eyes. He was wearing a black coat and grey combat trousers.
The second man was of Asian appearance, in his early 20s, about 6’1” tall, of slim build, with a goatee style beard. He was wearing a black woolly hat and black ‘Puffa’ type jacket.
PC Louise Albon is investigating the incident, she said: “The victim was at his place of work and carrying out routine checks in the area when he was assaulted, the incident has left him extremely shocked and distressed and we need to catch the people responsible.
“Watermead Country Park is a popular park for dog walkers and nature lovers and I am sure there were a number of people in the area on that Saturday morning (February 26), if you saw the suspects or you know anything about the incident then please get in touch.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact PC 4656 Louise Albon on Leicester (0116) 222 2222, follow the instructions to leave a message for a police officer and when prompted key in the officer’s identification number 4656. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, which is free* and anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Issued on 07/03/11 at 11:07
Crime reference number: NH/00977/11-9

(Copied from Leicestershire Constabulary website)
- posted by allan on Monday, March 07, 2011

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Youth charged following robberies in Thurmaston and Birstall.

A 16-year-old youth has been charged following two robberies in Thurmaston and Birstall.
The charges relate to a robbery on Wednesday February 16, 2011 at Mark Convenience store on Melton Road, Thurmaston and a robbery on Thursday February 17, 2011 at Wanlip Store on Wanlip Lane, Birstall.
The youth has been charged with one count of attempt robbery, one count of robbery and two counts of possessing a firearm.
He is due to appear at Loughborough Youth Court today (Thursday March, 3 2011).
A 16-year-old youth has also been arrested in connection with the robbery at Birstall and has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

(Copied from Leicestershire Constabulary website)
- posted by allan on Saturday, March 05, 2011

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