PCC Rupert Matthews Secures Market Town Patrols Agreement with Chief Constable

Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews has now secured enhanced police patrols for market towns across Leicestershire, delivering on a key commitment to residents, businesses and local communities.

By December, Market Harborough, Hinckley, Loughborough, Coalville, Melton Mowbray and Ashby-de-la-Zouch will benefit from additional police patrols focused on tackling persistent concerns around anti-social behaviour and shoplifting, boosting visibility and helping make town centres safer and more welcoming places to live, work and visit.

In May, Mr Matthews announced plans to improve community safety in the county's market towns, making clear he was prepared to commission an external provider if necessary to deliver the visible policing residents were calling for. As part of his process to find the most effective solution, he asked Chief Constable if the force could identify a solution that would meet those needs.

Following consideration of all available options, including private sector alternatives, Leicestershire Police will now deliver the enhanced patrols under a Service Level Agreement using police officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs). The arrangement will cost less than originally budgeted by the Commissioner, with savings reinvested into further crime prevention initiatives across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Mr Matthews the PCC said:

"I was determined to deliver the additional patrols I promised to the public. Residents and businesses in these towns have told me that policing can feel too distant, and that is simply not good enough. People deserve to feel safe where they live, work and shop.

"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."

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. We do understand the impact that retail crime and anti-social behaviour can have a significant impact on our communities, and we know from our previous successful work and proven track record in effectively policing 'crime hotspot' areas that engagement, problem solving and working with partners can make a real difference.

“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."

The enhanced patrols form part of the PCC's wider commitment to preventing crime, supporting local businesses and ensuring communities across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland benefit from visible, accessible and effective policing.

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