Patrols to be stepped up in Melton using police officers rather than street wardens

Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews says the enhanced presence will be targeted in town centres to tackle persistent concerns around anti-social behaviour and shoplifting.

Mr Matthews announced proposals in May to improve community safety in market towns, making clear he was prepared to commission an external provider if necessary to deliver the visible policing residents were calling for.

That could have meant the return of street wardens to Melton’s streets as a back-up security force – Melton BID had previously supported the initiative in a pilot project because of the positive way they had worked with traders to identify and deter persistent shoplifters and anti-social people.

But Leicestershire Police Federation was vehemently against the wardens, stating it would waste money because they do not have the powers and the training of police officers.

Now, after discussions with the Chief Constable, it has been decided to deliver the enhanced patrols under a Service Level Agreement using police officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs).

This will cost than the original £2M budget for it, the commissioner says, and the savings will be reinvested into further crime prevention initiatives across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Mr Matthews said: "Visible policing plays a vital role in preventing crime and anti-social behaviour before it takes hold.

"Strong police presence helps build confidence, reassures communities and supports thriving town centres.

"I set the Chief Constable a clear challenge, and I am pleased that Leicestershire Police has responded with a practical and cost-effective plan that delivers the extra patrols local people want to see.

"I'm particularly pleased that this initiative will be up and running before Christmas, providing additional reassurance to residents and valuable support to retailers during one of the busiest times of the year."

The additional police patrols will take place in Market Harborough, Hinckley, Loughborough, Coalville and Ashby-de-la-Zouch, as well as Melton Mowbray.

Chief Constable David Sandall added: "Leicestershire Police has a proud history of neighbourhood policing, with visible patrols being undertaken on a daily basis by named dedicated officers and PCSOs across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

“Leicestershire Police were able to provide a clear data led and evidence-based solution to support the Police and Crime Commissioner's police and crime plan and focus on county towns.

“The solution proposed contributes to the wider financial stability and helps mitigate in the short term some of the anticipated further reductions in resources of Leicestershire Police, by bringing this project delivery back into the operational space, where using our PCSOs we can specifically deploy resources in the County Towns based on the data in these specific areas.

“This project will use data evidence to ensure we are putting visible PCSO patrols in the right places at the right time, using a problem-solving approach and working closely with business owners and partners in our County Towns to ensure that we can continue to build trust and confidence in our communities."