Police Matters

preferably where there are people. After all, you don’t know the person who has collided with you; they could well be hijackers. If you’re at all suspicious, consider calling the police.

8. Before owning, check for cloning

Welcome to ‘Police Matters’ for the Dedicated Neighbourhood Policing Team that cover Anstey, Thurcaston/Cropston and Newtown Linford. Your main two officers for the area are PC Greg Moore 0330 and PCSO Mitch Jarvis 6093.

News

The local beat team will be putting on some engagement in regards to knife crime awareness week which is between the 15th-21st of May. Please keep an eye out for updates on the Charnwood Police pages on twitter and Facebook for more information.

The crime breakdown shows offences committed between 22nd March to the 23rd of April 2023.

Crime figures (Anstey)

Theft of Motor Vehicle (inc Attempts) – 5

Theft from Motor Vehicle (inc Attempts) – 1

Criminal Damage Dwelling – 1

Theft Store – (inc. Attempts) – 1

Theft Cycle – 1

Theft Property (inc. Attempts) – 2

Crime figures (Cropston) No crime

Crime figures (Thurcaston)

Theft from Motor Vehicle (inc Attempts) – 1

Theft Property (inc. Attempts) – 1

Crime figures (Newtown Linford)

Burglary Dwelling (inc. Attempts)–1

Criminal Damage (non Dwelling) (Business Premises, Shed, Garage Etc) – 1

Theft Property (inc. Attempts) – 1

Crime Prevention

1. Lock your vehicle

Locking your vehicle, even when filling up or parked on your drive, greatly reduces the possibility of it being targeted by an opportunist thief. Even if you have locked your vehicle, check you haven’t left any windows or the sunroof open.

It is actually illegal to leave your vehicle running unattended while you de-ice it or warm it up in cold weather. If someone takes it while it’s left like this, your insurer won’t pay out because you won’t be covered.

If your vehicle has wing mirrors that fold in automatically when locked, make sure you lock it properly. Criminal gangs are looking for vehicles like these where the wing mirrors are still out because it is clear to them that the vehicle has been left unlocked.

2. Keep the keys safe

Vehicles today are by and large more difficult to steal than ever, unless the thief can access your key or fob to clone them. Keep your keys safe, out of view when at home, and away from your front door. It’s not uncommon for car keys to be stolen from inside your home by thieves fishing for them with a stick and hook through the letterbox.

Keyless entry

Cars with keyless entry unlock automatically when the key comes within a short distance of the car. This can be from inside a pocket or bag. If you have to push a button on your car key to open your car, you don't have keyless entry.

Keyless car theft or 'relay theft' is when a device is used to fool the car into thinking the key is close by. This unlocks the car and starts the ignition.

Thieves only need to be within a few metres of your car key to capture the signal, even if it’s inside your home. This means that even if your car and home are secure, thieves can still unlock, start and steal your car.

How to protect your keyless entry car

• When at home keep your car key (and the spare) well away from the car.

• Put the keys in a screened or signal-blocking pouch, such as a Faraday Bag.

• Reprogramme your keys if you buy a second hand car.

• Turn off wireless signals on your fob when it's not being used.

3. Be aware of carjackers

The fact that you’re in the car isn’t always a deterrent to someone trying to steal it.

In traffic, drive with the doors locked and when queuing leave enough space in front of your vehicle to enable you to get out of a tight spot. If your vehicle is bumped from behind, wait to pull over – somewhere safe and

If someone threatens you, it’s better to hand over the keys to the vehicle than become a victim of assault. Then call 999 as soon as possible, and ask for the police.

If your car is stolen, some modern vehicle alarm and tracker systems have the facility to isolate or shut down fuel systems, bringing the vehicle to a halt and leaving the thief high and dry.

4. Park responsibly

It’s always advisable to avoid parking in dark and secluded areas. It’s worth an extra five or ten-minute walk if it means your vehicle is left in a well-lit and busier street.

And if possible, always try to park in illuminated and staffed car parks or those with a Park Mark safer parking award. To find one, simply check out Park Mark.

5. Watch for illegal tow trucks

Thieves often attempt to lift vehicles from the street, literally. So, if you see a towaway crew acting suspiciously – especially if their vehicle isn’t branded or if they’re not in uniform – then please report it immediately.

As with every report of suspicious behaviour made in good faith, we’ll never blame anyone for calling us if it proves unfounded.

Car parks with height-restricted entrances help prevent illegal tow trucks and removal vehicles. And fitting a Thatcham rated category 1 or 2 alarm system with tracking, immobilisation, anti-grab and movement sensors can help protect and trace your vehicle.

6. Fit good in-car security locks

Bear in mind that built-in steering locks aren’t necessarily thief-proof. Many can be forced and broken. Fitting a Sold Secure steering wheel, gear lever or clutch pedal security device can give your vehicle added protection.

7. Double-check electronic locking

Electronic devices can be used to jam the electronic signal from your key fob to lock your vehicle. Always manually check your vehicle has locked before walking away.

If unsure, lock it manually, then scan the immediate area for anyone hanging around. If a potential thief who’s watching feels they’ve been spotted, they’ll probably move off.

Changing the identity of a vehicle, known as vehicle cloning, can be as simple as adding stolen number plates. When buying a vehicle, always check the DVLA V5 document and make sure the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the vehicle is the same as on the document.

Make sure you check more than one of the VINs as well as the engine numbers on the vehicle (see diagram).

Check a used vehicle you’re buying.

9. Secure your port

Many modern vehicles are fitted with engine management diagnostic ports, which can unlock and start your vehicle.

If your vehicle has this type of port, consider fitting a lockable cover.

If anybody has any information about the recorded crimes then please speak with your local officers, or if you have any information at all about crime please call CRIMESTOPPERS. Your call will always be free, we won’t ask your name and you may even receive a cash reward. Just call –0800 555 111

Beat Surgeries (20/05/2023) Thurcaston – Leicester Road (Memorial Hall) 09:00-09:45

Anstey – Anstey Library

10:00-11:00

Anstey – Beanies Soft Play 11:15-12:15

Newtown Linford – Bradgate Road/Police Box 13:30-14:30

PS 0882 Mark Smith, PC Greg Moore and PCSO 6093

Mitch Jarvis

Beat NL58 – Anstey, Thurcaston/ Cropston, Newtown Linford Charnwood Dedicated Neighbourhood Team

Leicestershire Police

Spares & Repairs All Leading Makes Serviced - 20 Years Experience Washers ● Dryers ● Dishwashers Fridges ● Cookers GAS AND

NOW

TAKING

South Charnwood High School

Leicestershire LE67 9TB

Examinations Invigilators Required

£10.88 per hour (Plus 12% additional holiday pay)

South Charnwood High School is currently looking for Examination Invigilators to work as part of a team to support our Examinations Officer.

Experience is not necessary as full training will be provided, but enthusiasm is.

Hours are between 8.00am and 4.00pm (as appropriate for the exams, but you will be required to be available for either a complete morning or afternoon or all day as required)

For an information pack and application form, please see the school website at www.southcharnwood.leics.sch.uk or email: exams@southcharnwood.org

As this job is designated as a ‘regulated activity’ an enhanced DBS check with Barred list check is essential

Spring Fun With Thurcaston Brownies

Article by Snowy Owl

We began the New Year with a Resolution to earn the Zero Waste badge. We will learn about the Rs; Repair, Recycle, Reuse, Reduce. An example from nature of recycling is the action of worms as they take dead leaves into their burrows as food and pass it out as nutrients in the soil. We reused clear plastic pop bottles and put layers of compost, sand and wood shavings inside with leaves and worms. Worms are hermaphrodite, (having both male and female parts) so the Brownies gave them names which could be for a boy or girl Robin/ Frankie etc We covered the outside with black plastic to simulate the darkness of soil .We left these wormeries for several weeks before removing the covering to see that the worms had mixed the differently coloured layers and dragged the leaves down.

For two weeks we held our own Repair Shop concentrating at first on sewing, glueing and stapling, followed by using saws, screwdrivers, hammer and nails.

Vicki our Commissioner visited to present Snowy Owl (me) with a thirty years service badge and was on hand to help when we were a leader short (Covid) for our session of Reuse. Barn Owl showed us how to cut pretty pictures from old birthday cards and magazines and stick them on white, plastic bottles to make lovely containers for pencils etc,

We all need to Reduce the amount of water we waste and to be aware of what we can and cannot put down the drains. Wet Wipes are a definite No. We learned a lot about cleaning our water when Brown Owl brought in fake pooh. Brownies squealed. Its really Weetabix and gravy powder baked into the appropriate shape.

February 22nd for the Guide and Scout movement is Thinking Daythe joint birthday of Lord and Lady Baden Powell. This date had fallen in half term but we celebrated with our candle ceremony on March1st, St David’s day. So we also included a Welsh theme with harp music and heard how LloydGeorge persuaded the Welsh to change the emblem for Wales. Smelly leeks in your button hole are not as pleasing as daffodils when meeting royalty.

On International Women’s Day we heard about the teenager Malala Yousafzai shot in the head by the Taliban for campaigning for girl’s education. The environmental activist, Greta Thunberg, also featured in our work. However I suspect the Brownies mainly remembered that cows and sheep burp and fart the planet-warming gas called methane.

For Mother’s day the Brownies made a plaque and painted bees and flowers made by Pat from modelling clay. More aart work as the Brownies coloured in the patterns on printed Easter Eggs. Katelynn, our D of E volunteer, glued the background grass and woven paper basket to the board so we could put it all together as an Easter display for the church.

For our final meeting we kept our fingers crossed that those dark clouds would not rain on us as we climbed up to Old John. The week before we had wrapped and protected hard boiled eggs Now it was time to roll them down the hill and hope they did not crack. Prizes for the winners, a small chocolate egg for everyone and also their Zero Waste badge achieved during the term.

We meet from 6pm until 7,15pm on Wednesday evenings during term time at the Harrison room of All Saints Church on Anstey Lane in Thurcaston. Girls must be age 7 to start.

More details from Brown Owl 07711-422350 but please avoid work hours.

Football County Champions

Article by Lizzie Newel

We are thrilled to announce that our Year 9 Football Team has emerged victorious as county cup champions! The competition was grueling, but our team played consistently well throughout the season, culminating in an outstanding performance during the final game held at Aylestone Park Football Club on March 27th.

Our team displayed exceptional skill and determination, fighting hard for every ball, and managing to secure a 1-0 lead going into halftime. The players emerged even stronger after a motivating pep talk from their managers, dominating the game and securing a crucial second goal thanks to Alfie's impressive skills.

We are immensely proud of our team and their representation of Martin High School. We extend our gratitude to all of our supporters who cheered the team on throughout the season. Additionally, we would like to give a special shout out to our outstanding football managers, Mr. Charlesworth, Mr. Hickling, and even Mr. Davies!

Friday Night Films In Thurcaston

Article by Richard & Diana

Mrs Harris goes to Paris” will be shown on May 12th and lasts 115 minutes.

In our May life-affirming drama comedy, Oscar nominee, Lesley Manville, plays a widowed cleaning lady who, in the course of her duties, falls madly in love with Lady Dant’s Christian Dior dress. With the help of her late husband’s war pension, Ada Harris ventures to Paris to buy the luxurious dress of her dreams. This is a delightful “rags to regalia” tale that you should not miss.

“The Lost King” will be shown on June 9th and lasts 108 minutes. With Leicester director Stephen Frears, our June U.K. film is an incredible Leicester story which is nearly all true. Over five hundred years after the last Plantagenet King, Richard 111, was slain at the Battle of Bosworth, Phillippa Langley, played by Sally Hawkins, became convinced that she had discovered his resting place. This is the story of her resourceful and exciting research.

Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council will be showing these films at Thurcaston Memorial Hall, starting at 7.30pm. Film tickets will cost the usual £5, which includes a lucky prize draw and refreshments during the interval. You can pay for tickets at the door, if there are any left or buy in advance from:

Richard 0116 2363 066 or Diana 0116 2362 619 whilst