Operation to reduce robberies in part of Leicester - 07-05-2008

An operation to reduce robberies is being run throughout May by police in Leicester.

Officers from Spinney Hill Park local policing unit are taking action to prevent a predicted rise in robberies in the area during May.

This includes visiting offenders convicted of robbery in the area in the past year to remind them of the consequences of a further conviction, such as the sentence they would be likely to receive at court.

The neighbourhood teams will also be proactively offering crime prevention advice to members of the public while they are patrolling their beat, assisting with post coding property, and visiting local schools to remind young people about the importance of keeping their valuables, such as mobile phones and iPods, safe.

Inspector Shane O'Neill, commander of Spinney Hill Park local policing unit, said: "A total of 27 robberies were reported in the area in May last year compared to 22 in April 2007 and just seven in June 2007.

"We do not want to see an increase like that again, so we are taking a number of preventative measures to deter would-be robbers and to remind members of the public of simple steps they can take to reduce the risk of them becoming victims.

"A dedicated trained team of officers will also be used to respond to any reports of robberies throughout the month. This is to ensure a fast response so that officers can get the evidence and descriptions they need to locate the suspects quickly and recover the property taken.

"We are urging members of the community to help us by keeping their valuables out of sight and sticking to well lit areas at night. If you are a victim of robbery, or witness an incident, call the police immediately."

If you have any information about robberies and the people committing them in the area call Sergeant 1753 Sean Pepper at Spinney Hill Park police station on 0116 222 2222, follow the instructions to leave a message for an officer and when prompted key in the officer's identification number 1753. Alternatively call Crimestoppers, which is free* and anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

* Please note some mobile phone service providers may charge for this call.

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