Thank you’ – the simple message from Chief Constable Simon Cole today (Sunday) to our force, to our communities across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland and to our partners. Yesterday (Saturday) saw more officers on duty across the force area than there would be for a typical New Year’s Eve as Leicestershire Police worked with partners to support the re-opening of the night-time economy across Leicestershire and Rutland while also policing the lockdown in Leicester and the surrounding protected area. And it was a busy night for all involved – with response to incidents, proactive patrols and lots of engagement with the communities. Patrols in the protected area of Leicester and its surrounds as part of Operation Lockfast saw huge compliance with the current lockdown rules which are in place. Officers carried out patrols across the area throughout the night and were pleased to see areas deserted as people adhered to the guidance by staying at home. Outside of the protected area where lockdown rules have been eased, officers were on duty working under Operation Integrate. Across these areas, the vast majority of residents were seen to be complying with the Government guidelines, acting responsibly and socialising safely. Mr Cole said: “This time has been a huge challenge for all of us. We are effectively policing a force area where different Government guidelines apply to different areas. But the way that my officers and staff have responded to this has simply been outstanding. Last night especially saw a massive effort across the whole area and I am very proud of the dedication and commitment which everyone involved has shown “Across the protected area of Leicester and the surrounds there was huge compliance with the lockdown rules. Throughout the rest of the force area, the vast majority of residents were acting responsibly and adhering to guidelines. Thank you for this and for working with us to keep our communities safe and protected. “Our thanks also go to our partners and volunteers who have been working alongside us and also carrying out tremendous work. Members of our Special Constabulary have carried out tireless work and shown a massive effort in their duties as have our partners including the local authorities and British Transport Police. It has very much been a joint effort across the whole weekend. “Sadly, there were however a number of incidents last night too which you will have seen. These are, of course, being taken very seriously and full investigative work is underway. Last night also saw a dispersal order placed in Market Harborough centre. This was put in place as a response to incidents happening in the area. “For us, there is still a lot more work going forward and therefore we continue to ask you to be responsible. This is a continued public health crisis. If you are in the protected area, then please ensure you stay at home, you only travel if essential, you wash your hands regularly, maintain two metres social distance from others and get tested if you do have any symptoms. “If you live outside the area please still ensure you are adhering to Government guidelines, staying responsible, socialising safely and maintaining social distancing. This is about our lives and our livelihoods and we all need to continue working together in order to stay safe together. Thank you to the vast majority of you who have been and continue to work with us in this way.” The work of our officers, staff and volunteers was shared across our social media throughout the day. Our posts on the main Leicestershire Police Facebook and Twitter accounts yesterday (Saturday) had a reach of more than 621,000. This is not taking into account the posts which were shared across the local neighbourhood area accounts. The protected area covers the city of Leicester and outlying suburbs including Oadby, Wigston, Birstall, Thurmaston, Braunstone Town, Glen Parva, Glenfield, Leciester Forest East (East of the M1) and Thorpe Astley. To check if you live within the area please use a postcode checker created by Leicestershire County Council. Leicestershire Police Released Dated 05/07/20

Mother Hubbard's Dessert Cupboard opened its doors in Febrary this year and has only been open for a few weeks before Covid19 meant it had to close its doors. The high street dessert restaurant was a big hit with locals with its huge portions and all items being made fresh in store. Now that restrictions for pubs and restaurants is lifting this saturday, were hopeful that those that didnt get chance to visit us when we opened can come and try our mouth watering dessert range. Covid has impacted the restaurant and also the town centre adversely and want to remind people that the town of Melton being the capital of Food, is still living upto its reputation. They are based in the heart of Melton Mowbray, 14 - 15 Market Place Melton Mowbray LE13 1XD https://www.facebook.com/motherhubbardsdrssert/ #Melton

A dedicated operation to support the re-opening of the night-time economy and help support the policing of lockdown has been launched by Leicestershire Police. The force will be deploying additional officers, including members of our Special Constabulary, to work over the weekend period and beyond. The introduction of additional measures by the Government due to a spike in coronavirus cases in the Leicester area means the force will have a dual approach to its operation. This will see officers supporting the policing of the lockdown measures in the greater Leicester area and, running in parallel to this, it will be policing the easing of restrictions outside of the restricted area where pubs and restaurants will reopen from 4 July. Operation Integrate will see more officers on duty than for a typical New Year’s Eve to help ensure communities across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland stay safe wherever they live. The force is urging people to do all they can to follow the advice of Save Lives, Save Livelihoods, Be Responsible and Socialise Safely. For those in the restricted area in and around the city of Leicester people have been asked to stay at home as much as possible and only to travel for essential purposes within, into and out of the lockdown area. Outside the restricted area the force has been working with community safety partners and the licensing trade to support and facilitate the reopening of premises from Saturday onwards. People are being asked to plan their days and to abide by any new operating rules premises may have in place to support social distancing. But the main message is for people to be responsible and socialise safely. T/Assistant Chief Constable Kerry Smith said: “First and foremost we want to keep people safe. We are in the middle of a continued public health crisis so that has to be everyone’s top priority. “We will be working across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, being that highly visible presence and engaging with our communities. We realise it is a difficult situation and we are all still adapting to these new challenges. “We would ask people within the restricted area to follow the Government’s recommendations of staying home as much as possible during this period and only travelling where it is essential. “Across the rest of the county and Rutland not affected by the additional restrictions if you are planning to venture out to your local pub remember there are still guidelines in place around social distancing and many pubs and restaurants will have instigated procedures to help keep you safe – please respect and follow those procedures. “We want people to be able to enjoy themselves but to do so responsibly, having respect for others and socialising safely. Plan your day and plan how you are going to get home. “We have a policing operation in place to support all of this across the county and Rutland but we will be continuing our approach of engaging, explaining and encouraging people to do the right thing. Of course, we have the option of enforcement open to us which we will use where appropriate.” The operation will be supported once again by the remobilisation of the Special Constabulary, following on from the success of Op Formidable, to provide extra support to frontline police officers. Special Constables will be working alongside regular police officers to respond to emergency calls and support communities, as well as engaging, explaining, encouraging and enforcing the government’s guidelines on social distancing. The training to become a special constable is at the same level of that undertaken by full-time police officers. They hold the same powers and responsibilities as regular police officers and manage the role alongside their normal employment. The restricted area covers the city of Leicester and outlying suburbs including Oadby, Wigston, Birstall, Thurmaston, Braunstone Town, Glen Parva, Glenfield, Leciester Forest East (East of the M1) and Thorpe Astley. To check if you live within the area please use a postcode checker created by Leicestershire County Council. Press released 15:59 02/07/2020

More than £20m of investment will ensure that eight of Leicester’s most popular secondary schools can continue to meet demand for pupil places over the next eight years. As part of its secondary schools’ growth programme, the city council is planning to buy the temporary modular buildings that have provided additional classroom space at six city schools for the last year or so. The modular buildings installed at Babington Academy, The City of Leicester College, Crown Hills Community College, Judgemeadow Community College, Rushey Mead Academy and Soar Valley College in 2017 and 2019 have created room for around 1,300 additional pupil places in total across all year groups in 2019/20. The modern temporary classrooms are helping to address the increasing and ongoing demand for secondary school places resulting from new families moving to the city. By buying the buildings outright, the city council will in total save more than £1.5m compared to continuing to rent them. At the Madani Boys and Girls Schools, a £1m expansion plan will see existing space reconfigured to create 60 additional pupil places in Year 7, equating to 300 new places across the five year groups of the school. City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “Thanks to major capital investment in our secondary schools in recent years, we have ensured there are sufficient places to meet ever-growing demand for pupil places. “Investing in these modular buildings at some of our most popular secondary schools makes good financial sense and will ensure that there’s sufficient capacity to meet these schools’ needs for the next eight years or so.” The investment is the latest in a programme of work which has expanded schools to create nearly 7,500 additional primary places since May 2010 – from 27,385 places to a current total of 34,830. Over the same time period the number of secondary school pupil places has increased by 183, from 20,756 to 20,939. The council has pledged to create over 2,500 more secondary spaces by 2027/8 – bringing the number of places to 23,442 – through a combination of new school building and investing in temporary modular buildings in existing schools. A formal decision on the planned investment of £20.5m is due to be taken by the City Mayor on July 10. #LeicesterCityCouncil

Community event giving people the chance to talk about tackling knife crime is going online so that discussions can continue despite coronavirus. Prior to lockdown, Leicester City Council was facilitating several ‘community conversations’ at venues across the city so that people could give their views on what could be done about knife crime. Led by community groups, ideas from these sessions would then be fed into discussions for a new knife crime and serious violence strategy that is being developed for Leicester. The coronavirus lockdown meant these conversations had to be paused, but now the city council is helping community leaders to try out online meetings to help gather people’s views and continue with this important work. A pilot session is taking place on Monday 6 July from 1.30-3pm, and will focus on the Braunstone area of Leicester. People will be able to join the discussion by Skype or dial in using a mobile phone or landline. Assistant city mayor Cllr Kirk Master, who leads on neighbourhoods and is also deputy police and crime commissioner for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, said: “The whole reason we set up these community conversations was because we know how crucial it is to gather people’s views and how important it is to have face-to-face discussions with members of the community. But it isn’t possible to do that safely at the current time. “Despite this, we want to keep up the momentum on our work to tackle knife crime as we were already starting to get valuable feedback from our community conversations. “With this in mind, we have helped the Braunstone community to set up this pilot session and I’d encourage anyone who has a viewpoint on knife crime in this area of the city to join the online meeting if they can. “It might be a little strange to some people, but we will provide support and an online forum can be an extremely useful way of gathering people’s views. Unfortunately, knife crime has not stopped because of the current crisis – so neither should we.” The online Braunstone event will be a trial to see if the forum works – with other online events to follow if it is successful. To join in, contact Braunstone community leader Ian Davies on 07518 502 842, who can provide details on how to join the online session. Leicester City Council Press Release #LivesNotKnives

Multi-million pound conspiracy uncovered in the East Midlands after cops crack criminal cypher More than £2 million in cash has been seized by regional officers, as part of the UK’s most significant law enforcement operation ever. Over the last few weeks, officers and staff from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) have been working closely with the National Crime Agency (NCA) and a number of forces on a series of investigations linked to an international inquiry. The regional action has resulted in the seizure of £2,191,200 in cash and 52kg of Class A drugs, and 29 arrests. Of particular note, were the investigations into two prominent gangs. The first is believed to have operated out of Derbyshire, with links to London and Luton. Enforcement in all three areas in June led to the seizure of £1.4 million in bank notes, gold bullion worth more than £6,000 and 19 vehicles thought to have been purchased with criminal cash. Eleven people were arrested. The second organised crime group (OCG) is thought to have roots in Nottinghamshire, with reach into Liverpool, and a number of warrants in the county has led to the seizure of 7.5kg in cocaine and heroin, and £620,000 in cash. Five people were arrested, with information gained from the wider inquiry helping to complete the investigation. The two gangs may have been operating separately in the region, but they had one thing in common: They were both utilising a secret criminal communications network to conduct their illicit business. And they weren’t alone. Around 60,000 serious and organised criminals across the globe were using ‘EncroChat’ in a bid to evade police surveillance. But their illegal activities came to an abrupt end last month, after a coordinated strike saw thousands of arrests and significant drugs, firearms and cash seizures. Earlier in the year, a cross-continental operation resulted in French and Dutch authorities infiltrating this encrypted platform, laying bare details of thousands of handsets and their users, as well as revealing millions of messages ripe for analysis. The intelligence gained from this information was then passed to the relevant country to action. The NCA coordinated the UK response — codenamed Operation Venetic — in partnership with the nation’s nine Regional Organised Crime Units (ROCUs) and supported by all 43 forces. So far, it has resulted in the seizure of more than £50 million in cash, 74 firearms, more than two tonnes of Class A and B drugs, and nearly 700 arrests. Today (Thursday 2 July 2020) EncroChat servers were shut down, putting an end to this criminal subterfuge. Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Kirby heads up EMSOU, which includes the East Midlands’ ROCU. He said: “By using EncroChat, these criminals thought they could conduct their illegal enterprises beneath our radar. They thought we didn’t know what they were up to. What they didn’t know was that from the very means by which they were plotting their crimes, we were taking notes; and this has made for some compelling evidence. “As the country was under lockdown, these criminals continued to traffic their illicit wares and inflict incredible harm to our communities. But as they continued to operate, so too did we. The intelligence garnered under Operation Venetic has not only informed some of our existing operations, but has also exposed the scale and reach of some of our most serious and organised criminals. “The results we have seen both in the region and across the country reflect some impressive talent and dedication, and a massive coordinated effort, not only to arrest suspected perpetrators and seize deadly drugs and weapons, but also in preventing and disrupting countless other crimes. “I hope this work not only reassures our communities of the skills, capabilities and sheer dogged determination within policing and our partners to seek out and prosecute those who pose the most serious risks, but also acts as a warning to those who continue to inflict harm in our society, that there is nowhere to hide.” Details of the operation have, until this point, been withheld to ensure maximum impact of police activity on the OCGs involved. Paul Williamson, NCA Regional Head of Investigations, said: “This piece of activity in the East Midlands and across the UK was unprecedented. It is without doubt the broadest and deepest ever operation into serious organised crime, with the people targeted at the top end of the criminal tree. “The NCA has worked with international partners and every single police force across the UK, but the extraordinary results we have had is testimony to the partnership we have with Regional Organised Crime Units like EMSOU. “By working together we have had tremendous success in penetrating organised criminal networks, seizing huge amounts of criminal cash, stopping firearms and drugs reaching our streets and protecting the people of the East Midlands.” Chief Constable Steve Jupp, National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for serious organised crime, added: “I want to emphasise that this work is the culmination of meticulous planning to tackle the most serious and organised crime groups that have been working in our communities. “Every UK police force has worked together to carry out these warrants, and I’m extremely proud of their hard work and determination, which doesn’t stop here. “This sort of activity is just one aspect of our continued fight to tackle serious and organised crime. I hope this sends a clear message to the public of our determination to rid communities of this sort of criminalisation.”

Scientists will develop a standardised UK-wide system for detecting coronavirus in wastewater, in order to provide an early warning of future outbreaks and reduce reliance on costly testing of large populations. The majority of people infected with SARS-CoV-2 – the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease – are believed to shed the virus in their faeces, even if they are asymptomatic, so sewage surveillance is widely seen as a promising way of identifying future disease hotspots. The new £1m research programme will see experts develop sampling, testing and scientific modelling methods that will be adopted by government agencies and scientists across the UK. The work will inform the UK national surveillance programmes recently announced by Defra, Scottish and Welsh Governments. The researchers will also determine whether there is a possibility for SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater and sludge to be infectious, and how environmental factors such as sunlight and temperature reduce infectivity. This will enable them to confirm that current guidance is protective of workers at sewage plants, and also assess the risk to people and animals as a result of treated and untreated sewage discharge in rivers and seas. The research programme, which is now under way and will last until October 2021, is being led by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH). It also involves researchers from the universities of Bangor, Bath, Edinburgh, Cranfield, Lancaster, Newcastle, Oxford and Sheffield, plus the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. Dr Andrew Singer of UKCEH, principal investigator of the new National COVID-19 Wastewater Epidemiology Surveillance Programme (N-WESP), says: “Several studies have shown that the RNA of SARS-CoV-2 – the genetic material of the virus - can be detected in wastewater ahead of local hospital admissions, which means wastewater could effectively become the ‘canary in the coal mine’ for COVID-19 and other emerging infectious diseases. “The research will be centred on wastewater-based epidemiology – the concept is based on analysis of wastewater for markers of infectious disease, illicit drugs or pharmaceuticals in order to better inform public health decisions. “By sampling wastewater at different parts of the sewerage network, we can gradually narrow an outbreak down to smaller geographical areas, enabling public health officials to quickly target interventions in those areas at greatest risk of spreading the infection.” Professor Barbara Kasprzyk-Hordern of the University of Bath, one of the programme’s co-investigators, explains: “Wastewater-based epidemiology offers a promising method for monitoring a pandemic, particularly for infectious diseases such as COVID-19 where asymptomatic cases play a significant role in transmitting the virus. Given the financial and logistical challenges of testing large numbers of people, and then trying to isolate those infected, this represents a potentially low-cost, anonymous and immediate mechanism for predicting local outbreaks and helping to contain the spread of infection.” The researchers will also work with Defra, environment agencies, public health bodies and water companies across the UK. They will undertake sampling of wastewater at several major cities as part of their study. Professor Gideon Henderson, Defra Chief Scientific Adviser, says: “It is heartening to see the scientific community continuing to combat coronavirus through this project, alongside the government. “We are already working with researchers, water companies and devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and NI to monitor for fragments of coronavirus genetic material in wastewater in the hope that it will help us detect new outbreaks. “Though the science is still in its infancy, this new project will help us to develop the methods that we are applying.” The research programme is funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), as part of UK Research and Innovation’s rapid response to COVID-19.

People in Leicester and its outlying areas are to be asked to continue to follow stricter lockdown restrictions for at least two weeks, and non-essential shops will be asked to close. This means the city’s bars, restaurants and hairdressers will not open on July 4 as planned, and shops that were allowed to open on 15 June will have to close again from tomorrow (30 June). The changes will also apply to parts of Leicestershire close to the city’s boundaries. Leicestershire County Council and Public Health England are working on the detail of this. All schools in the area identified will be asked to close for most pupils from Thursday (2 July) and will not reopen until next term. More information will be shared with parents tomorrow (Tuesday 30 June). The changes will require new legislation to be drafted before they can be implemented. The Government has said these measures must be taken in Leicester following a surge in cases in the east of the city over the past two weeks. They will be reviewed two weeks after implementation. City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby met with Health Secretary Matt Hancock and other officials today to discuss the latest data and actions needed. Sir Peter said: “These measures are stricter than we anticipated but we understand the need for firm action. I am determined that we will make this work and to minimise the time these additional measures need to be in place in the city. “We will of course continue to play our part in keeping people in the city safe and healthy.” The latest figures obtained by the city council show that 3,216 Covid-19 cases have been confirmed in Leicester since the start of the epidemic. Of these, 944 cases were reported in the last two weeks. These figures include the number of patients and staff testing as positive in hospitals, known as Pillar 1 figures, and positive cases identified in testing centres, known as Pillar 2. The council did not previously have access to the Pillar 2 data, but this is now being provided on a weekly basis. Leicester currently has three mobile testing sites in the city in Evington, Spinney Hill Park and Victoria park, and a more permanent facility on the edge of Leicester at the Birstall park and ride site. An indoor testing centre is due to open tomorrow (30 June) at the Highfields Community Centre, and further testing sites are planned. The city council is now reviewing its plans to extend the opening of its own buildings such as libraries, museums and children’s centres. The council asked the Government for more detailed information after its own public health team noticed a surge in the number of people testing positive in the city. The city council was provided with detailed testing information for the first time on Thursday (25 June), one week after the Secretary of State Matt Hancock announced that there was a local outbreak in Leicester. Anyone in Leicester who has symptoms, or thinks they have been in contact with someone who has, can book a test at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119. People in Leicester are being advised to stay at home if they can, to maintain two metre social distancing, ensure good hand hygiene and to strictly limit their contact with others from outside their own household. Anyone who thinks they have symptoms should stay at home along with the rest of their household until they have been tested. Anyone who tests positive should stay at home for seven days, and members of their household should stay at home for 14 days. Leicester City Council press release issued 29th June 2020. #covid19 #LeicesterCityCouncil

Co-op community fund awards £31,000 cash boost to 22 groups to ensure vital work continues to help those in need. Central England Co-op has shared out £31,000 between 22 good causes to ensure they can continue their vital community work during the Coronavirus outbreak. A wide range of charities and community organisations were delighted to receive the funding boost during these uncertain times, with a total of £31,000 handed out to 22 groups across 16 counties from the retailer’s Community Dividend Fund. The money will now be spent by charities and organisations to ensure that events, activities and support that otherwise might have been postponed or cancelled can still go ahead and provide a vital boost to the local community. Organisations in the following areas have benefitted from a grant: Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Nottingham, Northants, Burton, Lichfield, Rugeley, Yorkshire, Peterborough, Norfolk and Suffolk. Below are examples of some of the projects supported: Nene Valley Care Trust, in Peterborough, will use £500 to buy vital computer equipment to allow them to work remotely A total of £1,000 will be handed to Treetops Hospice, in Risley, Derbyshire, to pay for the creation of care packs for patients and their families which are made up of magazines, puzzle books, toiletries and cakes Nelson’s Journey, based in Norwich, supports children and young people who have experienced the death of a special person in their life. It will use £1,876 to pay for special books to be produced and sent out to youngsters as part of work to help them deal with grief Lichfield-based Foresters Scout Group has been handed £2,500 to buy tents for youngsters to use when they are allowed to meet up together again Kirkwood Hospice, in Huddersfield, will spend £2,400 on two pressure relieving mattresses to support terminally ill people with reduced mobility issues Debbie Robinson, Central England Co-op Chief Executive, said: “Now more than ever being a co-operative business that sits at the heart of our communities is so important. “We are delighted that these great projects and good causes have been handed a grant that will allow them to continue their fantastic work in the community at this uncertain time. “Community Dividend Fund grants like this showcase how by being a member and shopping at your local Central England Co-op store allows us as a Society to continue to invest and fund vital projects in the area.”

Leicester’s City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby says there has been no discussion with the Government about the need for a local lockdown in the city, and data received just three days ago needs to be properly analysed before any further actions can be agreed. The city council was provided with detailed testing information for the first time on Thursday (25 June), one week after the Secretary of State Matt Hancock announced that there was a local outbreak in Leicester. The latest figures (23 June 2020) from Public Health England show that 2,987 Covid-19 cases have been confirmed in Leicester since the start of the epidemic. Of these, 866 cases were reported in the last two weeks. The council asked the Government for more detailed information after its own public health team noticed a surge in the number of people testing positive in the city. Detailed data such as ethnicity and the postcodes of those being tested had not previously been provided. In the meantime the Government agreed to provide more testing facilities in Leicester and the council has been working with Public Health England to reinforce current guidelines around social distancing and hand hygiene, and to introduce local messaging around limiting contact with others. Sir Peter said: “More testing and immediate access to the data is key to determining what intervention is needed. Whether that intervention is giving more advice or something more dramatic we don’t yet know. “If it is decided that a local lockdown is needed the city council currently has no powers to implement this, and there would need to be extensive discussion around the area to be locked down, including whether this extends beyond the city boundaries.” The city mayor and the council’s director of public health Ivan Browne are due to meet with government officials at 9am on Monday (29 June) to discuss the latest data. There are currently three mobile testing sites in the city in Evington, Spinney Hill Park and Victoria Park. There is also a more permanent site on the edge of the city at Birstall park and ride. Options for a fifth testing site are currently being explored. Anyone in Leicester who has symptoms, or thinks they have been in contact with someone who has, can book a test at nhs.uk/coronavirusor by calling 119. People in Leicester are being advised to stay at home if they can, to maintain two metre social distancing, ensure good hand hygiene and to strictly limit their contact with others from outside their own household. Anyone who thinks they have symptoms should stay at home along with the rest of their household until they have been tested. Anyone who tests positive should stay at home for seven days, and members of their household should stay at home for 14 days. This press release issued Sunday 28th June by Leicester City Council. #Covid19 #LeicesterCityCouncil

A vulnerable child has gone missing close to acres of rural land, some of which is flooded. The officers know as each hour goes by the chances of finding him safe and well reduces. They also know to search an area of that size would take around 20 people at least a couple of hours - time that child might not have. This situation is just one of the many incidents PC Matt Burton and his colleagues in the Leicestershire Police drone team are on hand to assist with. Once deployed to the scene, the drone’s powerful optical zoom and thermal imagery is able to search large open spaces in a fraction of the time and send live footage directly to officers on the ground. Within minutes the child is located and reunited with his family. Like most police forces across the country, Leicestershire uses drones as one of its many policing tactics - to save lives, apprehend suspects and provide assistance for operations or largescale events. This month marks two years since the force was granted a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) licence and in that time the team have gone from strength to strength – providing support for more than 500 emergencies and pre-planned policing activities, as well supporting other emergency services. Now a cop with 20 years’ service, PC Matt Burton joined the drone team in October 2018. After nine months being seconded, he became a fulltime police drone pilot in June 2019 before taking on the title of lead pilot just four months later. Along with every police officer across the country operating a drone, Matt qualified after completing a CAA approved course and has now clocked up more than 60 hours of flying. In his time as a drone pilot Matt has been the eyes in the sky for many incidents and events – from football matches, Diwali celebrations and the Leicester Pride march through to locating missing people and catching criminals in the act. Matt said: “We provide a similar type of air support as a helicopter but to dispatch a drone to a scene is often much quicker and obviously costs a lot less. Drones can also get a lot closer and lower to an incident and can fly in weather conditions that helicopters aren’t able to – including low cloud and poorer visibility. “They are only ever deployed for a specific policing purpose and are not used by us as a form of Big Brother in the sky. “By using a drone I’ve been able to locate a child with Autism who had gone missing from school. Despite a thorough search of the grounds by officers and staff there was no trace of him. By that time it was starting to get dark so the drone was sent up and we were able to locate him hiding in a hedgerow using the thermal imaging camera, I was then able to direct officers to him. “I’ve also attended a report of a burglary where the suspect had assaulted the occupant of the house before taking off. My colleague and I were able to locate him using the drone and actually caught him attempting to break into the home of an elderly man. Luckily he was arrested before he was able to cause any further harm. “Using a drone I’ve also been able to locate suspects who have ran from police, either after ditching a vehicle or when officers have attempted to stop them in the street. “Although we provide assistance to officers dealing with emergency incidents we are also involved in many largescale operations and events – helping to provide a different perspective for those coordinating policing on the ground. “These include events such as football matches and Diwali celebrations that are attended by thousands of people and are enjoyable occasions to be a part of. “We have also used our drones to assist the fire service with largescale emergencies where getting an overview of the scene from above can help understand the sheer size of the issue and they can then ensure the right number of people and the right equipment is available.” Since becoming a police drone pilot Matt and his colleagues have also been able to draw on the knowledge of a member of the special constabulary with decades of aviation experience. Special Inspector John Blagden is used to manoeuvring much larger aircrafts in the sky having spent the last 25 years 35,000 feet in the air as a commercial airline pilot. As a long-haul flyer his job often sees him away from home for around three to five days a week. Despite this he still finds the time to volunteer as a special for 60 to 70 hours a month. During the pandemic, when many flights have been grounded, John has racked up an impressive 312 hours of volunteering in a two month period. John originally joined as a special in 2012 and when the drone team was established two years ago he took on the role of Chief Drone Pilot. John said: “Similar to Matt and the rest of the team, when I’m on shift I am on hand should one of the drones be required. “But a big part of what I do is help with training and advising on procedures. With our drones we aim to maintain the same level of standards and safety you would expect with any manned aviation vehicle, such as an airplane or helicopter.” Now, nearly two years after the first Leicestershire Police drone took to the sky, the force is looking at how the team can grow and provide assistance to many more police incidents and operations. #LeicsPolice #Drones #DronePhotography

Seven people have been arrested in the Charnwood area as part of a planned police operation targeting the sale and distribution of drugs. As part of Operation Hammerman police have been cracking down on County Lines activity and safeguarding vulnerable people being targeted by organised crime groups to help facilitate the supply of class A drugs. Between Saturday 13 and Friday 19 June, police executed three warrants in Loughborough and Mountsorrel and arrested seven people - five men, aged 20, 21, 25, 26 and 42 and two teenage girls, aged 15 and 16. Six were arrested for being concerned in the supply of class A drugs. The 20-year-old man was arrested for possession with intent to supply class B drugs. Six of the suspects have since been released under investigation pending further enquires. The 21-year-old man was remanded to appear at court for offences unrelated to the operation. The arrests come after officers spent a significant amount of time gathering information and evidence on people suspected of moving drugs in and out of Leicestershire – known as County Lines. With the support of a number of partners, including Charnwood Borough Council, officers also carried out safeguarding checks on vulnerable adults in the community believed to be at risk of ‘cuckooing’. ‘Cuckooing’ is when a drug dealer or gang use violence or the threat of violence to take over the home of a vulnerable person, they then use the property as a base for drug related activity. Officers carrying out the operation are keen for people not only in Charnwood but across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to continue to report any County Lines activity they suspect is happening in their area. Sergeant Chris Boylin, from the Loughborough neighbourhood priority team was leading the operation. He said: “The community is a big part of where we get our information from so we urge people to continue to tell us when they are seeing things that are out of the ordinary. “The selling and distribution of drugs on our streets ruins lives and we will continue to take action against those who are responsible and prey on vulnerable members of our community.” Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, or report information on the police website . For more information on County Lines, and how to spot the signs of it happening in your area, visit www.leics.police.uk/countylines #LeicsPolice #Loughborough #Charnwood #CountyLines #KnowTheSigns