The mammoth task of installing the twinkling lights and the colourful garlands that will decorate Leicester city centre this Christmas gets under way this weekend. On Sunday (18 October), contractors working for the city council will start putting up the decorations that cross the city’s main shopping streets and installing the first of the 16,000 lamps that will light up Leicester in the run-up to Christmas. This year the council has spent £38,000 updating the city’s stock of decorations and replacing worn-out fixtures and fittings. The extra funding means there will be a brand new look for Horsefair Street and Humberstone Gate this year, with both streets dressed with new decorative spans. In Green Dragon Square at Leicester Market, illuminated garlands will be strung between the square’s lamp-columns, while the trees in the square will be lit up with pea-lights. At the Clock Tower, a 50ft Christmas tree will be carefully lowered into place and decorated with warm white lights and hundreds of colourful baubles, while the city’s traditional nativity scene and a tableau depicting the Tales of Narnia will be installed in Town Hall Square. Deputy city mayor Cllr Piara Singh Clair said: “The city council has updated its stock of festive decorations again this year, with new lights for Horsefair Street and Humberstone Gate. “Although it’s going to be a very different Christmas for all of us this year, our lighting team and contractors will be working hard to make sure that Leicester looks magical throughout the festive season.” Contractors working for the council will be installing the decorations early in the morning and at weekends to minimise inconvenience to road users. They will start on Church Gate early in the morning on Sunday (18 October). Decorating the city – including Town Hall Square and around 20 city centre streets – will take four weeks to complete. Because of restrictions on gatherings to prevent the spread of coronavirus, there will be no event to switch on the Christmas lights this year. Instead, the lights will simply be switched on during the run-up to Christmas and will remain on until the new year.

A Fire Risk Assessor has been fined a total of £1,600 after being charged with four counts of breaching fire safety regulations. Mr Martin Ballard, a former employee of Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, failed to identify serious fire safety issues with his fire risk assessment at St Clements Court, Leicester. Mr Ballard retired from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service before becoming a self-employed Fire Risk Assessor. He appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Monday 19 October and Tuesday 20 October 2020. He was fined £1600, and ordered to pay costs of £7,864.15. Andy Clarke, Station Manager Fire Protection, said: “These failings had the potential to put the lives of residents in this premises at risk of death or serious injury. “Fire risk assessments play a pivotal part in determining the fire safety measures and fire safety strategy for any building, and is a task that only people with suitable training and experience should undertake.” Although Mr Ballard had served within the fire and rescue service for more than 30 years, he had no formal training in providing fire risk assessments and had very limited experience. Andy Clarke added: “This sentence should act as a warning to all Fire Risk Assessors, that Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service will take these matters extremely seriously. “We will not hesitate to take action where inadequate fire risk assessments put people at risk. “Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service are prepared to work with those responsible for fire safety, to help them achieve compliance with fire safety standards.” If you require any help or guidance around fire safety, please contact Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service on 0116 210 5555. Alternatively, visit leics-fire.gov.uk for fire safety advice. Source - LFRS Press release. A Fire Risk Assessment is a legal requirement. If you are responsible for a building, for example a employer, owner or occupier of premises that aren't a 'single private dwelling' (a private home), you need to make sure a suitably competent person completes a Fire Risk Assessment. https://www.gov.uk/workplace-fire-safety-your-responsibilities/fire-risk-assessments

Post a Poppy campaign is underway to encourage people in Leicester to commemorate Remembrance Day by creating poppy-themed artwork, cakes or other artefacts. The office of the Leicester Lord Mayor has launched the Post a Poppy campaign, encouraging people to bake cakes, draw pictures or even plant Remembrance-themed flowers, and to send in photographs of their works, with plans to then include them in a Remembrance display in the city centre and online. Due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, the traditional Remembrance Day services at the Arch of Remembrance and Leicester Market will not go ahead this year, and instead people are being called upon to commemorate this year in new and creative ways. This year’s remembrance events will focus on a range of opportunities for reflection, including getting involved in online commemorations, personal reflections or activities at home. Leicester Lord Mayor, Cllr Annette Byrne, said: “Like many events on the city’s calendar this year, we are going to have to approach Remembrance Day differently, through alternative ways to commemorate those who’ve lost their lives in conflict. “As part of that we are encouraging people to get involved in our “Post a Poppy” campaign, by sending us a picture of themselves with their poppy, or even make a poppy to wear, bake a poppy cake or make a poppy display in your garden. “Although this year’s commemorations have to be different, they need not be any less heartfelt or sincere, and we’d still love people to get involved in whatever way they can.” Photos and other creative Remembrance Day ideas for the Post a Poppy campaign can be sent to the Lord Mayor’s office at lord.mayor@leicester.gov.uk Other events include a BBC Radio Leicester Remembrance Day programme to be broadcast on Sunday, November 8, at 10.30am. It will feature personal stories and information from those who have fought in different conflicts, along with a message from the Bishop of Leicester, as well as two minutes’ silence at 11am. The Arch of Remembrance in Victoria Park will be illuminated in red. The Royal British Legion, which is behind the annual Poppy Appeal, has also shared ideas for alternative ways for people to mark Remembrance Day in 2020, including creating a Remembrance space in the garden; using social media to take part safely in Remembrance services or activities; or by creating an online exhibition of photos or artwork which can be used to explore local remembrance. This year’s Poppy Appeal is online, but families can still get involved by downloading and colouring in a Remembrance Poppy to display in their window as a show of support. Visit here for more information. Leicester City Council has a long-standing commitment to help members and former members of the Armed Forces community, through the Armed Forces Covenant, which focuses on removing disadvantages so armed forces service personnel, past and present, get the same treatment and access to services as the civilian community. The city council last re-signed the covenant in 2018.

With restrictions in place to stop the spread of coronavirus, crowds will not be gathering on Belgrave Road this year for the traditional entertainment and fireworks. But instead, the city council is inviting people to take part in a shared Diwali Day celebration from the safety of their homes. Members of the public can send in their personal video messages, which could feature in an hour-long package of entertainment that will be streamed on the Visit Leicester website on Diwali Day – Saturday 14 November. Each video – filmed on a mobile phone – should be around 30-45 seconds in length, shot in landscape format and recorded in English. People can use their video to wish a friend, or a family member, a happy Diwali – or they could share their tips for a socially-distanced, yet joyful, Diwali celebration with people around the world. As many of the videos as possible will be used in the Diwali Day package, with some shared ahead of the big day on the council’s social media platforms. Deputy city mayor Cllr Piara Singh Clair said: “We all need to find different ways to celebrate important festivals like Diwali and Christmas this year. “Although we can’t meet up with our extended families in person this year, our virtual Diwali celebration will help bring people together for an experience they can share with a family member or a friend – wherever they are in the world. “We hope that people will enjoy recording their messages, and we look forward to sharing as many of them as possible as part of our Diwali Day programming.” Alongside the video messages, the Diwali Day programme will feature music, story-telling and dance – as well as the traditional lighting of the diva lamp. And while the council will not be organising fireworks this year, footage of the spectacular displays from previous years will be included in the virtual event, which gets under way at 7pm on Diwali Day (14 November). People are invited to email their videos to diwali@leicester.gov.uk Full terms and conditions, and more information about the virtual event, can be found on the Diwali event page at visitleicester.info Although the city’s Diwali celebrations will be very different this year, one familiar feature will be back on Belgrave Road again. The giant Wheel of Light will start to take shape tomorrow (Tuesday 20 October) and it will open to the public – with stringent measures in place to keep people safe – on Friday (23 October). This year, to make sure the site is Covid-secure, temperature checks will be carried out, customers will be required to wear face coverings when queuing, and they will also be asked to sanitise their hands before and after their ride. The cabins will be sanitised after each use. Test and trace data will be collected manually, while those with the NHS Covid App will simply be able to scan the displayed QR code to provide their contact details. Because of the strict restrictions on social mixing, people are reminded that only members of the same household or support bubble will be able to share a cabin. Opening times, prices and full information about Leicester's Wheel of Light can be found at www.leicestergiantwheel.com More details about Leicester’s virtual Diwali Day celebrations will be released in early November.

A new road that will improve bus journey times out of Leicester city centre will open for the first time on Sunday (18 October). The new road – Savoy Street – links Belgrave Gate with Mansfield Street, providing a quick route out of the city centre for buses leaving the Haymarket bus station and forming part of a new, improved route for pedestrians between the city’s two bus stations. As part of the £4million scheme, which got under way last November, both Mansfield Street and Sandacre Street have been reconstructed and upgraded. With buses, taxis, pedestrians and cyclists using the new road from Sunday, and with the current bus route along Belgrave Gate, Haymarket and Church Gate closing to all vehicles, the city council will now be able to create an attractive, and safe, traffic-free space around Leicester’s historic Clock Tower. City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “This new road will improve bus journey times for passengers, but it also paves the way for the regeneration of a high-profile part of the city centre that clearly needs investment. “By re-routing buses onto Savoy Street, we will be able to remove traffic from the Clock Tower area and create a safer – and much more attractive – environment for pedestrians and cyclists. “This investment around the Clock Tower will be a boost for local businesses, and work to transform this popular meeting spot with high quality porphyry paving is already well under way, with work on the other streets in the area due to start in the new year. “Once they’re part of the city centre’s pedestrian zone, businesses on Haymarket and parts of Belgrave Gate and Church Gate should benefit from greater footfall and a much improved street environment – which could be a real boost for their business.” The Savoy Street scheme is part of the North City Centre Accessibility Improvement Programme of linked transport and public realm improvement works, comprising several individual schemes. The whole programme is supported by a £8.96m allocation from the Local Growth Fund, a pot of government funding awarded to the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership Limited (LLEP) for projects that benefit the local area and economy. Kevin Harris, chair of the LLEP, said: "This project will see a marked improvement in the road infrastructure in Leicester, allowing commuters and shoppers a faster, more convenient route into the heart of our city. The scheme confers clear benefits on our local economy; I am very pleased that the LLEP was able to support it with investment via our Local Growth Fund allocation." The new road takes its name from the art deco cinema that opened on Belgrave Gate in 1937. Later known as the ABC, the Savoy was demolished by its owners in 2007 after lying empty for years. A giant mural, inspired by the Savoy and two other long-gone venues on Belgrave Gate – the Floral Hall and the Palace Theatre – now provides a fitting backdrop to the new road. Leicester City Council Press release.

People across Leicester are being called on to commemorate this year’s Remembrance Day in new and creative ways in the face of Covid-19 pandemic. The traditional Remembrance Day services at Edwin Lutyens’ Arch of Remembrance in Victoria Park and at Leicester Market will not be taking place this year due to Covid-19 restrictions. Instead, this year’s remembrance events will focus on a range of opportunities for reflection, including getting involved in online commemorations, personal reflections or activities at home. The Lord Mayor’s office has launched its Post a Poppy campaign, encouraging people to bake cakes, draw pictures or even plant Remembrance-themed flowers, and to send in photographs of their works, with plans to then include them in a Remembrance display in the city centre. Leicester City Council will be working alongside BBC Radio Leicester on a Remembrance Day programme to be broadcast on Sunday, November 8, at 10.30am. It will feature personal stories and information from those who have fought in different conflicts, along with a message from the Bishop of Leicester, as well as two minutes’ silence at 11am. The Arch of Remembrance in Victoria Park will be illuminated in red. Leicester Lord Mayor, Cllr Annette Byrne, said: “As a result of ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, it is not surprising that we will be unable to hold our usual Remembrance Day commemorations this year. “We are extremely disappointed to be unable to provide the opportunity for the citizens of Leicester and Leicestershire to join us and show their respects for the men and women who have lost their lives in conflict, while serving their country. “However, as with many other plans this year, we have had to adapt and to encourage other ways for people to get involved instead. For example, that could involve taking part in online commemorations, or simply reflecting on Remembrance Day with smaller activities at home. “We are also encouraging people to get involved in our “Post a Poppy” campaign, by sending us a picture of themselves with their poppy, or even make a poppy to wear, bake a poppy cake or make a poppy display in your garden. “The act of Remembrance is vital to keeping alive the memories of those who have died in wars over the years, and although this year’s plans have to be different, they are by no means less meaningful or poignant. Photos and other creative Remembrance Day ideas for the Post a Poppy campaign can be sent to the Lord Mayor’s office at lord.mayor@leicester.gov.uk The Royal British Legion, which is behind the annual Poppy Appeal, has also shared ideas for alternative ways for people to mark Remembrance Day in 2020. Suggestions include creating a remembrance space in the garden; using social media or online meetings to take part safely in a remembrance service or activity; or by creating an online exhibition of photos or artwork which can be used to explore local remembrance. This year’s Poppy Appeal is online, but families can still get involved by downloading and colouring in a Remembrance Poppy to display in their window as a show of support. Visit here for more information. Leicester City Council has a long-standing commitment to help members and former members of the Armed Forces community, through the Armed Forces Covenant, which focuses on removing disadvantages so armed forces service personnel, past and present, get the same treatment and access to services as the civilian community. The city council last re-signed the covenant in 2018.

Restrictions on household mixing in Leicester will largely continue unchanged, following the introduction of the Government’s new three-tier Local Covid Alert Level system. From today (Wednesday 14 October), Leicester joins many other areas of the country in Tier 2– the category for areas with higher levels of infection and where additional restrictions are required. But after months of restrictions, there is some good news for people in Leicester. Under the new system, people will be able to meet up with other households in a private garden – as long as no more than six people are present and social distancing is observed. Mixing in any indoor setting with people you don’t live with – unless you are in a support bubble with them – is still not permitted. Leicester’s director of public health Professor Ivan Browne said: “Although Leicester’s figures haven’t grown as fast as in some other areas of the country, our numbers are now higher than they were when we were locked down at the end of June – and they’re moving in the wrong direction. “Our Tier 2 classification shows that this is no time to relax, and no time to let up. “As winter approaches, and infection rates inevitably rise, we simply have to continue to follow the rules, if we are to succeed in reducing the spread of this highly contagious virus. “People in Leicester have respected these restrictions for so long, but I would urge everyone in the city to stay strong and keep going during the difficult weeks and months ahead.” People in Leicester can: meet up to five other people from outside their household in a private garden, keeping 2m apart meet up to five other people from outside their household in parks or open spaces, keeping 2m apart meet up to five other people from other households in a beer garden or other outdoor hospitality setting, keeping 2m apart but You cannot visit family or friends inside their homes, unless you’ve formed a support bubble with them You cannot stay overnight in another person’s home, unless you’ve formed a bubble with them You cannot meet up with anyone from outside your household inside a café, bar, restaurant, shop or any indoor setting, unless you’ve formed a bubble with them As the Local Covid Alert Level in Leicester is ‘high’, people who are clinically extremely vulnerable, and who were shielding until recently, are advised to have contact with as few people as possible. Professor Browne said: “The fewer people you meet, the less likely you are to catch COVID-19. “But anyone who is clinically extremely vulnerable should continue to go out for some exercise with members of their household or support bubble, because the benefits of outdoor activity are significant. “If you do choose to meet people from outside of your support bubble, please take all sensible precautions and only meet up outdoors – and only in a group of no more than six.” More information for clinically extremely vulnerable people is available on the Government’s website As infection rates continue to rise, everyone in Leicester should continue to: wear a face covering when required wash or sanitise their hands frequently follow social distancing rules work from home, if possible walk or cycle if possible – and avoid travelling on buses at peak times if possible follow the Rule of Six limit their contact with other people stay at home and get a test at the first sign of coronavirus by calling 119 Since 28 September, anyone who receives a positive Covid-19 test or is told to self-isolate by the NHS Test & Trace Service must self-isolate by law, with anyone failing to self-isolate when they are required to do so facing a fine of between £1,000 and £10,000. Anyone with symptoms must self-isolate for 10 days, while anyone living in the same household as someone with symptoms must self-isolate for 14 days. The latest figures for Leicester show that 602 people tested positive for coronavirus in the seven days to 8 October. More information can be found at leicester.gov.uk/coronavirus or at gov.uk/coronavirus

A violent attack at the hands of his friend led to the death of a 50-year-old Stuart Morris and today (Tuesday 13 October) the defendant pleaded guilty to the offence. Stuart had spent the day with 49-year-old Martin Green in Green’s flat in Heathcott Road on Tuesday 14 April. Shortly before 5.25pm that day police were called to the property where they discovered Stuart’s body. A post-mortem examination revealed Stuart had died as a result of multiple stab and blunt force injuries. Green fabricated a story that he had been out to the shops and returned to find his friend dead. CCTV evidence, witness statements and a forensic examination of the scene quickly revealed Green’s web of lies and he was charged with murder. Today Green of Heathcott Road appeared before Leicester Crown Court and pleaded guilty to the offence. He is due to be sentenced on Thursday (15 October). Detective Inspector Kenny Henry from East Midlands Special Operations Unit Major Crime team was the senior investigating officer. He said: “Stuart suffered a horrific death at the hands of Green, a man who he thought was his friend. I have been a detective for many years and dealt with a number of serious cases where a degree of violence was used, however the sheer level of violence used in this crime was shocking. “I am pleased Green has admitted to the murder and spared the family the traumatic experience of hearing the details of Stuart’s last hours during the court proceedings. “We take all forms of knife crime extremely seriously, whether it’s committed in the home or in the street. The force’s Lives not Knives campaign was launched in October 2016 and is still a priority. “Officers and staff continue to educate and raise awareness of the consequences of carrying and using a knife. We work closely with the courts and criminal justice system to ensure those who choose to carry knives feel the full force of the law and are dealt with robustly.”

Communities in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland are being asked to pledge to help end hate crime by sending messages of support during a national awareness week. During Hate Crime Awareness Week (NHCAW), which starts this Saturday (10 October) - Leicestershire Police is asking for people to send in personal pledges on what they will do to help eradicate hate crime of any sort. Anyone can make a pledge by downloading a virtual pledge board, available from the force website. People can then write or type their messages of support and take a photo or selfie of them which will then be used to form a montage representing the level of support for NHCAW within Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. The force is asking for people to share these on social media using @LPStaySafe and also send them on email to NHCAWLeics@leicestershire.pnn.police.uk There are some quote examples within the “how to” guide on our website. As well as seeking pledges, there will be a Facebook Live event on Wednesday 14 October at 12:30. This will be an opportunity for the public to hear from the force’s Hate Crime Officer and Chief Constable on the issue and they will also answer any questions. If you have a question please submit it to at NHCAWLeics@leicestershire.pnn.police.uk. Isla Dixon, Hate Crime Officer said: “I am really looking forward to the Facebook Live. We usually plan so many engagement events during National Hate Crime Awareness Week (NHCAW) however even with the COVID restrictions this still gives us an opportunity to connect with our communities. “NHCAW is an opportunity to continue to raise awareness around the subject of hate crime and for us to highlight the work we do throughout the year to make our communities safer places for all. “We do this alongside several partner agencies in developing strong relationships that will empower our communities to work with us in eradicating hate crime.” Assistant Chief Constable Julia Debenham said “Hate crime is not tolerated in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland and we are committed to tackling it. “Being targeted for who you are is totally unacceptable and we would urge anyone affected by hate or discrimination, or anyone who witnesses this unacceptable behaviour taking place, to report incidents to us so that together we can Stamp It Out. “NHCAW enables us to highlight the work we already do within our diverse communities and to put a spotlight onto hate crime in order to provide greater awareness and to provide confidence to our communities to report incidents to us.” Leicestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Lord Willy Bach, also supports NHCAW and added: “Hatred in any form is destructive. It divides, isolates and damages our communities and the people who live in them. It’s something that I know we will continue to tackle robustly. “Every hate incident is one too many and I applaud those brave enough to come forward to seek support and help prevent other people from being victimised. The more we can do to build trust in the way hate crime is handled, the more we can stop vulnerable people suffering the injustice of separation and exclusion. “It is the diversity of culture and tradition within our county and city that makes it so special and home to a multitude of faiths, customs and traditions. We must all lead by example.” Hate incidents or hate crimes can be reported to Leicestershire Police on 101 or in an emergency please call 999. You can also report to your local council or anonymously via the Stamp it Out website: www.stamp-it-out.co.uk You can follow the events of National Hate Crime Awareness week on Twitter using hashtag #NationalHCAW or follow @LPStaySafe.

Communities in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland are being asked to pledge to help end hate crime by sending messages of support during a national awareness week. During Hate Crime Awareness Week (NHCAW), which starts this Saturday (10 October) - Leicestershire Police is asking for people to send in personal pledges on what they will do to help eradicate hate crime of any sort. Anyone can make a pledge by downloading a virtual pledge board, available from the force website. People can then write or type their messages of support and take a photo or selfie of them which will then be used to form a montage representing the level of support for NHCAW within Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. The force is asking for people to share these on social media using @LPStaySafe and also send them on email to NHCAWLeics@leicestershire.pnn.police.uk There are some quote examples within the “how to” guide on our website. As well as seeking pledges, there will be a Facebook Live event on Wednesday 14 October at 12:30. This will be an opportunity for the public to hear from the force’s Hate Crime Officer and Chief Constable on the issue and they will also answer any questions. If you have a question please submit it to at NHCAWLeics@leicestershire.pnn.police.uk. Isla Dixon, Hate Crime Officer said: “I am really looking forward to the Facebook Live. We usually plan so many engagement events during National Hate Crime Awareness Week (NHCAW) however even with the COVID restrictions this still gives us an opportunity to connect with our communities. “NHCAW is an opportunity to continue to raise awareness around the subject of hate crime and for us to highlight the work we do throughout the year to make our communities safer places for all. “We do this alongside several partner agencies in developing strong relationships that will empower our communities to work with us in eradicating hate crime.” Assistant Chief Constable Julia Debenham said “Hate crime is not tolerated in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland and we are committed to tackling it. “Being targeted for who you are is totally unacceptable and we would urge anyone affected by hate or discrimination, or anyone who witnesses this unacceptable behaviour taking place, to report incidents to us so that together we can Stamp It Out. “NHCAW enables us to highlight the work we already do within our diverse communities and to put a spotlight onto hate crime in order to provide greater awareness and to provide confidence to our communities to report incidents to us.” Leicestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Lord Willy Bach, also supports NHCAW and added: “Hatred in any form is destructive. It divides, isolates and damages our communities and the people who live in them. It’s something that I know we will continue to tackle robustly. “Every hate incident is one too many and I applaud those brave enough to come forward to seek support and help prevent other people from being victimised. The more we can do to build trust in the way hate crime is handled, the more we can stop vulnerable people suffering the injustice of separation and exclusion. “It is the diversity of culture and tradition within our county and city that makes it so special and home to a multitude of faiths, customs and traditions. We must all lead by example.” Hate incidents or hate crimes can be reported to Leicestershire Police on 101 or in an emergency please call 999. You can also report to your local council or anonymously via the Stamp it Out website: www.stamp-it-out.co.uk You can follow the events of National Hate Crime Awareness week on Twitter using hashtag #NationalHCAW or follow @LPStaySafe.

Employed or self-employed people on low incomes who are told to self-isolate but whose income would be hit by staying at home can now claim a £500 support payment. Since 28th September, anyone who receives a positive Covid-19 test or is told to self-isolate by the NHS Test & Trace Service, must self-isolate by law, with anyone failing to self-isolate when they are required to do so facing a fine of between £1,000 and £10,000. To help stop the spread of coronavirus, and to ensure that anyone on a low income can self-isolate for up to 14 days, without having to worry about their finances, the Government has introduced the Test & Trace Support Payment. From Monday (12 October), anyone who thinks they are eligible for the payment will be able to submit a claim on the city council’s website. City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “Self-isolating is one of the best tools we have for stopping the spread of coronavirus, so it’s really important that people stay at home when they’re told to do so. “But for many people, two weeks off work without pay could lead to serious financial hardship. “If you’re on a low income and you’re asked to self-isolate, you may be entitled to this new support payment. “If you’ve had a positive test result, or you’ve been told to self-isolate by the test & trace service and you think you might be eligible for support, please go to our website and complete the online form.” Leicester City Council has set up the self-isolation support scheme on behalf of the Government. For more information, and details of how to claim, please go to www.leicester.gov.uk Information on how to help those who are unable to make an online claim is also provided. Anyone who meets the criteria and who started to self-isolate from 28 September will be able to claim a backdated payment.

Leicestershire Police is encouraging vehicle owners to be extra vigilant due to a rise in catalytic converter thefts from cars. Thieves are targeting vehicles for the parts due to the value of the precious metals they contain, as precious metal prices go up the demand for parts that contain them goes up too, resulting in the risk of theft increasing. The process of stealing a catalytic converter can be carried out in as little as 60 seconds with high power tools. Now Leicestershire Police has launched a campaign to make drivers aware of the issue after a number of incidents across the force area. The force will be will be installing bold warning signs in hotspot locations to warn drivers, will be promoting how to reduce the risk of being targeted on social media channels and via Neighbourhood Link and is working with a number of garages to offer free security marking for catalytic convertors. The theft of catalytic converters can happen anytime day or night via typical locations such as: Car parks - typically Supermarkets Driveways On street parking. Thieves cut the catalytic converter from the exhaust pipe of a parked car and sell them on for profit. Taller vehicles (4x4s) are particularly vulnerable as the converters are more accessible and because they tend to have larger engines, contain more of the precious metals. Detective Chief Inspector Reme Gibson said: “We have seen a rise in catalytic converter thefts around the force area. Predominantly, these crimes tend to occur in supermarket car parks and private driveways. “Any vehicle can be subject to catalytic converter theft, however Toyota Auris, Toyota Prius, Honda Jazz and Honda Accord are known to be more vulnerable to this type of theft. We urge vehicle owners to take measures when parking and reduce the risk of theft.” To reduce the risk of theft of your car's catalytic converter: Park your car in a garage or somewhere that makes it difficult for anyone to access its underside Install CCTV that captures where you park Don’t park your car in one place for long periods of time Secure your catalytic converter with extra bolts to make it more difficult to remove Try defensive parking against a wall or by another lower vehicle to make it more difficult to get under Have a mechanic weld the catalytic converter to the exhaust system Park your car in lit up areas or on busy areas When you book in for your next MOT, service, ask your *local garage to fit the marking kit onto your vehicle for FREE! List of garages participating within the scheme: Brookside, 1 Cannock Street, Leicester, LE4 9HR Euro Tyres, 68 Barkby Road, Leicester, LE4 9LF The force is seeking to work with more garages as the campaign progresses.