Latest News
Distraction Burglaries in the county 24/11 - 27/11.
This is a message for ALL Neighbourhood Watch members, Leicestershire Constabulary has issued advice after a number of distraction burglaries in the county in the past week.All of the incidents have taken place at the homes of elderly people when the victims were distracted by visitors posing as workmen and cash and bank cards have been stolen. Your area may not have been targeted yet, but please warn your elderly and vulnerable residents to be aware of any unwanted callers.
Incidents have occurred at the following locations:
Sandhurst Street, Oadby at about 2pm on Thursday November 24 when a handbag containing two wallets, store cards and cash was stolen.
Holmfield Road, Leicester at about 12.40pm on Friday November 25 when a handbag containing cash and cards were stolen
Uppingham Road, close to the Goodwood Road area, Leicester at about 7.40pm on Friday November 25 when cash was stolen
Two of the incidents occurred in Willow Street, Leicester around 4.45pm on Saturday November 26, a purse containing cards and cash was stolen from one of the properties, nothing was stolen from the second house.
Queens Road, Leicester at about 1pm on Sunday November 27 when two wallets containing cash were stolen.
Detective Inspector Rob Widdowson is overseeing the investigations, he said: “Any incident where an elderly or vulnerable person has been deliberately targeted is despicable. Incidents of this nature are extremely rare and it is vitally important that we get this appeal across to as many people as possible so we can reduce the chances of this happening again. Even though the victims weren’t hurt in any way it’s still distressing for them. We are actively investigating all of the incidents and studying any available CCTV from these areas in a bid to identify those responsible. We are in the early stages of our enquiries and are looking at the possibility that these incidents may be linked''.
“We are keen to speak to anyone who may have been visited in similar circumstances and anyone who may have seen someone paying a lot of attention to properties in the area.
“Did you see any vehicles not usually seen in the area being driven around or parked? Even the slightest detail could help with our investigation.
“We would like to take this opportunity to reiterate our advice to those who are visited in similar circumstances, please check the identity of the individual with the organisation they are claiming to represent – if you have any doubts, don’t let them in and contact the police immediately.
“We would ask anyone who has an elderly or vulnerable neighbour to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity and report any suspicions to the police.”
Anyone with any information about the incidents is asked to contact DC 4610 Katie Leadbetter on 101*, follow the instructions to leave a message for a police officer and when prompted key in the officer’s identification number 4610. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, which is free** and anonymous, on 0800 555 111.
(Information from Leicestershire Constabulary via the County NHW Association)
Man charged with assault.
A man has been charged for assaulting his partner on Sunday 6th November near the roundabout by the police office on Sibson Road. They were in a vehicle and passing through Birstall. Officers arrested him and took positive action.(Information from local beat officers)
Burglaries - Dark Nights.
The number of burglaries and similar incidents have increased recently in the villages since the evenings have become darker.Residents are reminded to check their security. Make sure that windows and doors are locked during darkness and if going out at night, leave a light on and possibly a radio to create the impression the the property is occupied. Also check the security of any sheds or garages.
(Information from local beat officer).
Newton Drive - suspicious prowler.
On Saturday evening/night 19th November, a resident has reported seeing a prowler in Newton Drive. He was seen to be looking through windows and doors of various properties.Did you you see anything suspicious in this area ? Please report any information on (0116) 2222222 and leave a message for our local beat officers.
A similar incident was reported in the Gwendolin Avenue area early last week when two white males were seen looking in windows and gardens. Please report any information, however minor on (0116) 2222222.
(Information from local beat officer)
Scam Telephone Calls.
We have had a number of reports from our members regarding scam telephone calls recently.The subject of the call varies, but the pattern of the conversation remains similar. It always involves a free money saving offer (telephone lines/electricity supplier etc). The conversation is friendly and draws you in to believe that they already have some personal information about you. They don’t.
They will ask you to ‘confirm’ your name, date of birth etc. and then inevitably ask for details of your bank accounts.
These are blatant scam calls. Never give any personal information to any caller unless you are absolutely certain of their identity and never to any ‘cold caller’.
If you receive one these calls, it is sometimes very difficult later to remember exactly what information you may have given them, even if you were suspicious and ended the call in mid conversation.
If you are in any doubt about the information you may have inadvertently given out, contact your bank immediately and tell them about the call.
Burglar Questioned.
A man arrested for burglary in the south coast area of England is now being questioned about burglaries carried out in Birstall.More information will be given when available.
(Information from local beat officers).
Burglary Warning to Syston, Cropston, Wanlip and Anstey
Detectives from Charnwood local policing unit are appealing for public help after a number of burglaries in the area.The burglaries have occurred at homes in the Syston, Cropston, Wanlip and Anstey areas in November.
A burglary occurred at a house in the Loughborough Road area of Wanlip at about 7am on Sunday November 6. The property was entered and a white Apple MacBook in a black shoulder strap bag was stolen. A man was seen in the area around the time of the incident he was about 5’8” tall, medium build and wearing dark coloured trousers and a hooded top.
Anyone with any information about any of these incidents or the stolen property is asked to contact the relevant officer on 101*, follow the instructions to leave a message for a police officer and when prompted key in the officer’s identification number. Alternatively, contact Crimestopppers, which is free** and anonymous, on 0800 555 111.
Investigating officer:- DC 4269 Kim Potter
Crime reference number: - LC/03769/11-5
Attempted Break-in Paget Avenue.
At approximately 12.20am on Sunday 13th November there was an attempted break-in at a house in Paget Avenue during which the front window was broken.Were you in the Paget Avenue/Stonehill Avenue area around this time, did you see or hear anything suspicious ? Please report any information, however minor, on (0116) 2222222.
(Information from a Watch member).
Distraction burglary at the home of an elderly woman in Birstall
Detectives from Charnwood local policing unit are appealing for public help after a distraction burglary at the home of an elderly woman in Birstall.The incident took place sometime between 7.30pm and 7.45pm on Monday November 7 in the Denegate Avenue area when two men entered the elderly victim’s home separately.
One of the men claimed that the other was a burglar and he was trying to detain him.
The victim was asked to check the locations where she kept her money and whilst she was distracted a fawn coloured handbag was stolen. The bag contained cash and paperwork.
Both suspects were white, one of them has been described as being about 5’5” tall, slim to medium build. He was wearing a black woolley hat and a grey top.
The second suspect was of similar description to the first suspect but possibly slightly younger and with a slimmer face.
Detective Constable Kerry Washington is investigating the incident, she said: “The suspects have tried to confuse the elderly occupant into informing them where she kept her personal possessions and then gone on to steal items from the premises.
“This was a despicable crime against an elderly woman and it is vitally important that we trace the people responsible.
“I would urge anyone who was visited in similar circumstances or saw two men acting suspiciously in the area on Monday evening to contact us.
“Even the slightest detail could help with our enquiries. Any calls received will be treated in confidence.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC 4442 Kerry Washington on Leicester 101*, follow the instructions to leave a message for a police officer and when prompted key in the officer’s identification number 4442. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, which is free** and anonymous, on 0800 555 111.
* Calls to 101 cost 15p for the entire call from both mobile ‘phones and landlines.
** Please note, some mobile phone service providers may charge for this call.
Issued on 11/11/11 at 14:49
Crime reference number: LC/03796/11-8
(Copied from Leicestershire Constabulary website)
Appeal following Birstall burglary.
Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward after jewellery was taken during a burglary in Wanlip Lane, Birstall.The incident happened sometime between 1.30pm and 1.45pm on Monday October 24, when an occupant from the house came home to find a window had been broken and spotted someone running down the side of the house.
Inside the house it was clear that all the rooms have been searched and drawers and cupboards had been left open.
Items of Asian jewellery including gold necklaces, gold bangles, bracelets and earrings were stolen along with some cash and a HP laptop.
The man seen leaving the house has been described as being white, of skinny build and was wearing a black zip up top, dark denim jeans and a baseball cap that was on sideways.
The man ran down the side of the house towards the centre of Birstall before turning right onto Orchard Road.
Detective Constable Kerry Washington, the investigating officer, said: “I am hoping that with details of the incident, times, dates and a description we will be able to get witnesses to come forward.
“If you can place yourself in the area at the time of the incident then have a think about if there is anything you can provide to our investigation. A name, further description, details of vehicles or anything that you think could be linked. It isn’t too late to help us so please get in touch.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC 4442 Kerry Washington by dialing 101. Follow the instructions to leave a message for a police officer, and when prompted key in the officer’s identification number 4442. Alternatively, you may contact Crimestoppers, which is free* and anonymous, on 0800 555 111.
* Please note, some mobile phone networks may charge for this call.
Issued on 09/11/11 at 16:51
Crime reference number: LC/03548/11-0
(Information from Leicestershire Constabulary website)
Scrap Metal Collectors - Suspicious Activity.
We have today received two reports from our members of suspicious activity by scrap metal collectors in the village.In both instances they were seen searching through waste skips on private drives and then looking through the front windows of the property. In one instance they then made a deliberate effort to gain access to the porch area.
The first report concerned a White 'flat backed' lorry, the second involved a Land Rover and trailer.
If you see any suspicious activity of this nature, please report it immediately to the police with as much information as possible (vehicle number/description etc).
The collection of scrap metal is a legitimate business, but it should obviously only be collected with the owners consent.
House Burglary - Dale Close.
At approximately 8.30pm on Monday 31st October a house on Dale Close was burgled. Entry was gained through a patio door. The burglar was disturbed and left by climbing over a rear garden wall.Were you in this area around this time, did you see or hear anything suspicious ? Please report any information on (0116) 2222222.
(Information from North Leicestershire NHW).
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