A 34-year-old man from Coalville has been charged with assaulting two police officers.

Daniel Peter Whiteford, of Swepstone Road, Heather, Coalville, has been charged with two counts of assaulting an emergency worker.

Police were called at 7pm on Monday 18 February to a report of a domestic incident at an address in Stretton Road, Leicester.

While dealing with the incident the officers who attended were assaulted and sustained minor injuries.

Whiteford is due to appear at Leicester Magistrates’ Court on Friday 12 April.

Detectives investigating robberies across the city centre are urging anyone who may have been a victim and not reported the incidents to the police to do so.

Since October last year enquiries have been conducted after a number of victims reported being approached and threatened before cash and mobile phones were stolen.

In some cases a knife has been mentioned but not seen. No one has been injured during the incidents but have understandably been left quite shaken by what happened.

In the last couple of weeks Operation Hologram was launched by the force to tackle the robberies and officers have been carrying extensive enquiries including trawling CCTV and speaking to people in the area.

At the weekend two people were arrested after three robberies were reported in Bede Park area of Leicester on Thursday (14 February) and Saturday (16 February). They have since been charged with those offences and remanded back in to police custody after the courts granted officers extra time to question them further.

Detective Constable Dan Thorpe is investigating the incidents. He said: “We know some offences that have occurred may not have been reported to the police and we’re urging those victims to come forward.

“There may be many reasons for not reporting it but we can only tackle this issue if we have a full picture of when and where the offences have occurred and obtained suspect descriptions.

“If you have been a victim or have any information about the incidents please get in touch. We’d like to reassure those living and working in the area that we are taking these reports extremely seriously and ask the public to remain vigilant and think about their personal safety when out and about.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC 1097 Thorpe on 101 or Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.

A man who killed his girlfriend on her birthday has been sentenced to more than 20 years in prison.

Jeremy Clarke was yesterday (18 February) found guilty of the murder of Tracey Evans following a three-week trial at Leicester Crown Court.

Today (19 February) he was sentenced to life in prison and has been ordered to serve a minimum of 22 years.

During the trial the court heard Tracey was killed on her 52nd birthday (5 August 2018) at the flat they shared in High Street, Measham.

After committing the brutal attack, Clarke confessed to two family members and the officers who arrested him he had killed Tracey.

He later claimed to have suffered from a hypoglycaemic attack and had no recollection of committing the crime.

The daughter of murdered Tracey Evans has today (18 February) paid tribute to her mum.

Following the conviction of Tracey’s partner Jeremy Clarke, Jodie Winterson said: “Losing my mum under such brutal and horrific circumstances has been extremely painful and traumatic for our family.

“Myself and the rest of my family have endured a very difficult six months since my mum was so brutally taken and we are relieved the trial process is now over and finally grieve for the mother, daughter, sister, auntie and friend we have all lost. The deep sadness we feel will be with us forever and is something no family should ever have to go through.

“I would like to take this opportunity to say a few words about my mum who will be so dearly missed by so many.

“She will always be remembered for her beautiful smile, her kindness and her complete selflessness. She truly did have a heart of gold, always putting others before herself and was such a hard working lady.

“Although we feel justice has partly been served with today’s verdict, no conviction or prison sentence will ever be enough for the physical, mental, financial and emotional abuse Jeremy Clarke subjected my mum to during their relationship, or the way he so brutally murdered her on her birthday.

“Jeremy’s actions will never be justified. His total lack of remorse for any of his actions are those only of a controlling bully and a cold, callous murderer.

“I would like to finish with a deep and heartfelt thank you to the Crown Prosecution Service, Mary Prior QC and Leicestershire Police, especially the family liaison officers and all those who worked so tirelessly on the case to get justice for my mum. You have provided great support to me and the rest of the family and shown compassion throughout.”

A man who slit his girlfriend’s throat before threatening to take his own life to avoid prison has been found guilty of her murder.

Tracey Evans was killed on her 52nd birthday at the hands of Jeremy Clarke at the flat they shared in High Street, Measham.

Today (18 February) he was found guilty of her murder at Leicester Crown Court. He is due to be sentenced tomorrow (Tuesday 19 February).

During the three-week trial, the court heard that on the night of the murder, Sunday 5 August 2018, Clarke and Tracey had been to a local pub to celebrate Tracey’s birthday.

They were seen on CCTV leaving the pub separately. Clarke left first at 8.43pm and headed home, followed minutes after at 8.49pm by Tracey. Less than 10 minutes after she arrived back at the flat she was dead.

The 55-year-old admitted to a family member he had killed Tracey when he was seen with blood on his face and clothes. He also called his daughter and confessed but told her he planned to end his own life to save himself from prison.

Following his confessions, the police were called to Clarke’s flat in the early hours of the following morning and Tracey was found inside. She had been brutally attacked with a knife and died from significant injuries to her neck.

The most notable wound ran ear to ear, measuring around 24 centimetres in length.

When officers arrived at the scene Clarke was found outside with splatters of Tracey’s blood on his jeans and shoes.

As he was arrested he confessed to officers he had killed her but days later claimed to have suffered from a hypoglycaemic attack and had no recollection of committing the crime.

Detective Chief Inspector David Swift-Rollinson, who led the investigation, said: “Despite being seen with Tracey’s blood on him and confessing to two people he had killed Tracey, Clarke pleaded with one of them not to call police. He told others, including the police, he had tried to take his own life to spare himself having to spend many years in prison.

“Luckily officers arrived at the scene before this happened and Clarke was arrested, again admitting what he had done.

“Days later Clarke claimed to have suffered from a hypoglycaemic attack and this defence continued, subjecting Tracey’s family to further pain and heartache as they were forced to hear during the trial the details of the night Tracey was murdered and the horrific injuries she endured.

“I am pleased to see today justice has been served and I hope today’s verdict will provide closure on what has been a dreadful six months for Tracey’s family.”

Officers are appealing for information following a fatal collision yesterday evening (Saturday).

Police were called at 8.16pm to a report of a collision on Lubbesthorpe Way, Leicester, involving two cars.

Both cars – a Ford Fiesta and a Nissan Juke – were travelling northbound on Lubbesthorpe Way, travelling away from the Fosse Park area towards the A47.

Information from witnesses suggests both cars were on the exit slip road for Meridian when they collided. As a result of the impact, the Juke rolled down the embankment, landing on the main carriageway. The driver and passenger in the Fiesta were not injured.

The driver of the Juke, a 44-year-old Leicester man, was pronounced dead at the scene.

DC Beth Pick from the serious Collision Investigation Unit is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

She said: “We’d like to hear from anyone who may have seen the Nissan Juke in the moments immediately before the collision.

“While officers have spoken to a number of people who arrived within seconds and were helping with first aid, anyone who saw a Nissan Juke travelling on Lubbesthorpe Way just before 8.15pm may be able to help with our investigation.

“Anyone driving in the opposite direction may also have some vital information that will assist.”

Anyone with information should contact the force on 101, quoting incident number 628 of 16 February.

Todd Sadlik-Stephenson was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison today after pleading to causing grievous bodily harm with intent and battery. The victim in the case has released the following statement:

On 14 October last year, my wife and I had been our walking our dog together, something we do every evening.

Without any warning, a total stranger ran up behind us and launched himself at me. At first I thought I’d been punched in the neck, but the truth was in fact horrifying. I’d been stabbed in the neck and fell to the floor.

He had severed jugular and carotid arteries in my neck. It was a scene that should only be witnessed in a horror film. My wife started shouting for help, which focussed the attention on her. He grappled with her and tried to take her to the floor. However, she was able to break free and run across the road before passers-by intervened.

I’ve been told by surgeons that the injury I suffered should’ve resulted in my death.

To this day, nearly four months later, we still can’t believe what happened that night. I don’t think we’ll ever understand it fully or comprehend why someone would do this to a complete stranger. It was a completely unprovoked attack on a couple enjoying an early evening stroll with their dog.

This has had a major and lasting impact on both me and family. I’m still on the long road to recovery, while my wife had to witness the most unimaginable horror – stemming the bleeding of a loved one should never have to happen. This incident has changed the way we live our lives. My wife and I, as well as our two sons, are cautious everywhere we go.

The defendant has accepted his guilt and the court has passed sentence. While this does not change what happened to us, this at least allows us to focus on our family. He can move past the whole ordeal and this brings some sense of security back into our lives.

The fast thinking and actions, in what was a truly horrendous scene, of my wife and the passers-by, particularly one lady in particular, helped to keep me alive.

The amazing job that first the paramedics, and then the countless surgeons operating on me had performed, literally bought me back from the dead. Since then, the ongoing support from nurses, doctors, amazing friends and amazing family have kept us going. The support from our local community and the police has been incredible and truly humbling.

Finally, I would like to say that this single, cowardly act, has not only affected my life, the lives of my friends and families, but also those of the defendant. We hold no ill feeling towards his family. I am just sorry that the needless actions of one individual have had repercussions and consequences on so many lives, and in our case, leaving permanent physical and mental scars.

A Leicestershire man has been jailed for stabbing a dog walker in an unprovoked attack.

Todd-Sadlik Stephenson carried out the violent assault on his victim in Melton Road, East Goscote on the evening of Sunday 14 October.

Today, (Friday 15 February) he pleaded guilty to GBH with intent and battery at Leicester Crown Court and was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison.

Sadlik-Stephenson was walking his own dog on Melton Road when he targeted his victim, stabbing him in the neck. He then turned his attention to the victim’s wife but ran from the scene when members of the public intervened.

A passer-by stopped to help to the victim as he lay on the ground, providing life-saving first aid. The subsequent investigation by detectives uncovered CCTV that showed Sadlik-Stephenson, of Tinkers Dell, East Goscote, running off from the scene and returning home.

Sadlik-Stephenson was arrested 24 hours after carrying out the attack. He was sentenced to 10 years and six months for grievous bodily harm with intent and six months for battery. He will serve the sentences concurrently.

Detective Inspector Tim Lindley, the senior investigating officer, said: “There’s little doubt in my mind that if it wasn’t for the intervention of a member of the public who provided first aid at the scene, this would have been a murder investigation.

“The help that she provided saved the victim’s life.

“This was a horrific attack which has had a substantial and lasting impact on the victim, who is still recovering from his injuries.

“It has also had a significant impact on the local community within East Goscote. I would like to extend my thanks to those people who spoke to us as part of this investigation. We had more than 60 people who were either witnesses or who called to provide information.

“Both the victim in this case and the wider community in East Goscote should be reassured that Sadlik-Stephenson has been convicted of this callous assault and is now facing a lengthy custodial sentence.”

Detective Constable DC Beverley Toon, the officer in the case, added: “The victim and his wife have been through a particularly traumatic incident and recognised how close he came to losing his life.

“The events of that evening have had a significant impact upon their lives and I expect they will struggle to come to terms with the attack for some time. Despite the understandable difficulties they faced in the days following the attack, they were fully committed to assisting the police from the outset which allowed us to secure charges at an early stage in the investigation.

“For that I commend them and hope that the conviction of their attacker provides them with some much needed closure.”

A 24-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of the production of cannabis following a fire in Leicester.

Police were called to an address in Wolverton Road, off Narborough Road, by Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service just after 1.30am today (Friday 15 February).

On arrival, officers were informed that cannabis plants had been found in the address but had subsequently perished in the fire.

The man, who was with members of the fire service, was arrested. He remains in custody and enquiries are ongoing.

A young man from Kent who was found with a quantity of drugs in Market Harborough has been jailed for two years after pleading guilty.

Anfernee Duke, 18, of Corporation Road, Gillingham, Kent, appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Monday 5 November, 2018 and pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

Today (Thursday 14 February) he was sentenced to two years in prison for the offences.

On Monday 1 October last year officers carried out an operation at a premises in Abbey Lane, Market Harborough, and found Duke in a room with a quantity of what was believed to be Class A drugs, cash and two mobile ‘phones.

The drugs were later tested and confirmed as heroin and crack cocaine.

Detective Constable Chris Fox was the investigating officer. He said: “When we arrested Duke he was found with a number of wraps of drugs which were heading for the streets of Market Harborough. This was a significant result in the supply of drugs in this area.

“Drugs misuse is a serious crime and one that not only affects the local community but also can lead to the breakdown of families and friendships.

“We are pleased that Duke has admitted his involvement in the supply of these illegal substances. We hope this result reassures the local community that we do take their concerns extremely seriously and will leave no stone unturned to identify those responsible for such offences.”

Last month the force took part in a national crackdown on the growing problem of drug dealing known as ‘county lines’.

County lines is a term used to describe the supply of illegal drugs, typically from a larger urban centre to smaller towns or rural areas, through the manipulation and exploitation of vulnerable people.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) and National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC) have responded to this emerging threat by creating a National County Lines Co-ordination Centre to develop the national intelligence picture of the crime type. The centre is also working the prioritise activity against the most serious offenders and engaging with partners to tackle the wider issues.

County lines activity is clearly organised crime that the force will continue to work in partnership to deal locally and inform the national picture around this crime.

Reporting suspicious activity can help to safeguard many vulnerable individuals who have been coerced into these networks so please report it on 101 or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A former Leicestershire Police special constable has been handed a suspended sentence after being found guilty of harassment at Leicester Crown Court.

Shahib Asan, 23, of Birstall, sent threatening and abusive texts to his victim between 15 and 16 August 2018.

He was also sentenced for offences he admitted at a previous hearing. These were criminal damage, two counts of intent to pervert the course of justice and harassment with threats of violence, which he admitted at a hearing in August 2018.

He also pleaded guilty to possessing a weapon for the discharge of a noxious liquid at a previous hearing. Asan was found to have taken his force-issued Captor spray off force property and was dismissed from Leicestershire Police in relation to this offence in November 2017.

Asan was given a 12 month suspended sentence suspended for two years and ordered to undertake 180 hours unpaid work. He was also given an indefinite restraining order.

The court heard how Asan, as a form of harassment, sent threatening letters and text messages to the victims over a period of months, on one occasion threatening to burn down their house. He also threatened to stab the victims, and in one text message, threatened to shoot one of them.

He also damaged a car belonging to a victim as it was parked in a street in East Goscote, by throwing what was believed to be paint stripper over it.

Throughout the investigation, Asan made an allegation that his email account had been hacked. The messages were sent, all with the same tone, to make it appear he was being framed by ‘the real suspect’.

Officer in the Case, Anna Thorpe, from the force’s Complex Investigation Team, said: “Asan terrorised his victims over a number of months, leaving them feeling vulnerable and at risk of harm. He targeted an entire family, sending abusive messages to a number of them and addressing the threatening letters to everyone in the family.

“They have been through two years of living in fear of Asan, not knowing when the next letter or message would come.”

A 44-year-old man who was reported missing has today (Thursday 14 February) been found safe and well in Leicester today.

Ludek Petrik had last been seen at his home address in Beatrice Road on Friday (8 February).

Leicestershire Police would like to thank everyone who shared our appeal to find Ludek.

Detectives investigating a violent disorder outside the King Power stadium in October last year have released CCTV images of six men they wish to identify and trace in connection with the incident.

On Saturday 27 October at around 7.30pm a number of people were involved in a fight after the Leicester City and West Ham United match.

No one reported being injured however CCTV footage from the area captured the incident in Filbert Way near the junction with Burnmoor Street.

Through enquiries conducted six men were identified from the footage and were arrested earlier today (Thursday 14 February) at addresses in Leicester and London.

Three Leicester men, aged 29, 29, 48 and two London men, aged 21, 32, were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder. They have since been released on conditional bail.

A 56-year-old Londoner has been released with no further action.

This afternoon a seventh man, 48, from Leicester, was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder. He has also been released on conditional bail.

Detective Constable Jack Thomas is investigating the disorder. He said: “Our enquiries into identifying those responsible have been ongoing since October last year and we have been working closely with our colleagues in the Metropolitan Police. While no one has reported being injured the actions of those responsible are unacceptable.

“A number of people including families with young children were leaving the stadium after the match.

“Seven men were arrested earlier today however we still wish to identify those in the CCTV images as they may be able to assist with our enquiries. If you recognise them or have any suspicions about who they may be we would urge you to get in touch.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC 1149 Thomas on 101, quoting incident 450 of 24 January.

Detectives investigating a violent disorder outside the King Power stadium in October last year have released CCTV images of five men they wish to identify and trace in connection with the incident.

On Saturday 27 October a number of people were involved in a fight after the Leicester City and West Ham United match around 7.30pm.

No one reported being injured however CCTV footage from the area captured the incident in Filbert Way near the junction with Burnmoor Street.

Through enquiries conducted six men were identified from the footage and were arrested earlier today (Thursday 14 February) at addresses in Leicester and London.

Three Leicester men, aged 29, 29, 48 and three London men, aged 21, 32 and 56, were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and remain in police custody.

Detective Constable Jack Thomas is investigating the disorder. He said: “Our enquiries into identifying those responsible have been ongoing since October last year and we have been working closely with our colleagues in the Metropolitan Police. While no one has reported being injured the actions of those responsible are unacceptable.

“A number of people including families with young children were leaving the stadium after the match.

“Six men were arrested earlier today however we still wish to identify those in the CCTV images as they may be able to assist with our enquiries. If you recognise them or have any suspicions about who they may be we would urge you to get in touch.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC 1149 Thomas on 101, quoting incident 450 of 24 January.

Two weeks ago the Police and Crime Panel approved a budget which will enable the force to recruit more than 230 police officers over the next financial year to help keep our communities safe – 107 of those will be new posts.

In April 2019 police officer recruiting will open again with the successful candidates starting their training in February and March 2020.
If you enjoy facing challenges, solving problems and would like to contribute to keeping your community safe whilst developing a wider range of skills, then policing could be for you. The force particularly welcomes applications from all members of our communities and particularly wants to attract candidates from under-represented groups to ensure the workforce reflects the communities it serves.

To apply you have to be between 18 and 56; have a level 3 qualification or equivalent; hold a full UK/EU valid manual driving licence and not have any serious convictions or recent cautions.

Applicants will go through a five-stage selection process including an application form, telephone interview, face to face interview and assessment centre. They will need to be successful at each of the first four stages before the final one during which pre-employment checks will be carried out.

This is the last time this route into policing will be offered, however, because there are now three new entry routes into the police service thanks to the establishment of a new, professional framework for the training of police officers called the Policing Education Qualifications Framework (PEQF).

Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA)

The PCDA is a three year degree apprenticeship degree delivered by De Montfort University and Leicestershire Police. It enables driven and talented people to get a degree in policing while working and earning a full time salary (starting at £18,000). At the end of the course you will become a student officer with a three year probationary period. To apply you have to be:

• between the ages of 17-56
• hold a level 2 in Maths and English (grade C/4 or above) at the time of applying
• you will also need to have obtained a Level 3 qualification by August 2020 (which is A Level or equivalent)
• hold a full UK driving licence by February 2021

Applications for this will open in late in the autumn with successful candidates starting in October 2020.

Degree holder programme

If you have a degree in any subject you can join and follow a work-based programme, supported by off-the job learning. This route normally takes two years and the learning you have undergone is recognised with a graduate diploma in professional policing when you complete your probation.

As this route will be launched in 2020, the final details around the course are still being confirmed.

Pre-join degree

If you want to study first, you can do a three year degree in professional policing at a participating university at your own expense and then apply to a force and follow a shorter on-the-job training programme. Becoming a Special Constable is part of this route.

In the first year, you would apply to become a special constable with the force, and if successful, would volunteer in this role for the duration of your degree. In the third year, you would apply to be a police constable through the standard recruitment process.

It will be a three year degree course. If successful, students would become police constables in the June/July of their third year, and as they would have gained independent patrol status as special constables, can be deployed straight to division with no further training required. The best way to see what jobs and opportunities are available with Leicestershire Police is to sign up to ‘job alerts’ on the police website. Vacancies are also advertised on the College of Policing website.

To find out more about the different roles within policing in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland please go to the 'join us' section of our website

Leicestershire Police have today (Thursday 14 February), launched an online campaign, warning people against the dangers of dating fraud.

In 2018, residents across the UK were scammed out of over £50 million as a result of dating fraud, in what is a growing issue across the country. In Leicestershire, between July 2017 and April 2018, 45 incidents of romance fraud were reported, with the average loss per person standing at £21,000.

Dating, or romance fraud – as it can often be referred – is described as, the act of someone creating a fake identity in order to enter into a relationship with a victim, with the intended outcome of stealing their money, personal information or both.

Nationwide statistics show that women (63%) are twice as likely as men (37%) to become a victim of romance fraud, with people aged in their forties or fifties the most susceptible to this type of crime.

In order to represent the array of scams fraudsters use to trick their victims, Leicestershire Police have released two separate video scenarios, based on common themes found in romance fraud - but not specific victim stories. The videos highlight just some of the ways in which criminals dream up elaborate lies, in order to scam thousands of pounds out of innocent victims.

Episode one explains how a woman was deceived by a man claiming to be in the U.S. army and was conned out of £3,000. The second episode reveals how a recently divorced man was stopped by his bank from taking out a £20,000 loan, he was going to send the money to someone he had met online, who lived in Ghana.

The one thing that both scenarios have in common, is the way in which they demonstrate both the vulnerability of the victim, coupled with the incredibly persuasive and convincing criminals, which consequently makes it so easy to fall for their lies.

Paul Wenlock, Head of the Economic Crime Unit at, Leicestershire Police, said: “It’s really important that we educate people around the dangers of dating fraud, unfortunately, there are some extremely convincing people out there who are happy to prey on the most vulnerable of people and steal their money.

“We hope this campaign not only educates people around some of the tactics displayed by fraudsters, but also makes our audience sit up and think about if this is something that is happening to them right now.

“If the scenario they are watching does seem a little familiar, then we would absolutely encourage them to get in touch with either Action fraud or by calling 101.”

For further information on romance fraud visit the Action Fraud website

Officers are growing extremely concerned for the welfare of a 44-year-old man who has been reported missing.

Ludek Petrik was last seen at his home address in Beatrice Road, Leicester, on Friday.

He is described as white, of slim build with short brown hair. He was last seen wearing grey jeans and a dark blue t-shirt.

At the time of going missing, it is believed he took his bicycle with him which is blue, white and silver in colour and has a pannier over the rear wheel.

Ludek has not been reported missing before and officers are growing extremely concerned for his welfare.

Anyone who has any information regarding Ludek, or who has seen him, is asked to call 101 quoting incident 144 of 12/2/19.

A BMW vehicle was stolen following a burglary in Elmsthorpe, Leicestershire.

Officers received a report of the burglary at a property in Bostock Close at around 2.50pm yesterday (Tuesday 12 February).

Three people, wearing dark clothing and balaclavas, were reported to have pulled up at the property in a green Lexus vehicle before entering the property through a window.

Keys were stolen from the property and a grey BMW vehicle was taken.

The two vehicles were then seen being driven in convoy towards the A47.

Both vehicles have since been recovered. The Lexus vehicle was recovered in Shilton Road, Earl Shilton, and the BMW was recovered in Avondale Road, Barlestone.

No-one was reported to be at the property at the time of the incident. No other items have been reported stolen.

Enquiries are ongoing.

Police Constable George Crossley said: “This incident happened in the afternoon when people are likely to have been in the area.

“We are urging anyone who was in the area to think back to if they saw or heard anything which could help our enquiries. Please also think back to if you saw the vehicles described being driven in the area yesterday afternoon.

"If you have any CCTV or dashcam footage from the area at the time of the incident, please check this to see if you have any information which could help us.”

Anyone with any information should call 101 quoting incident 19000074266.

A project which has seen several officers from the force sit down to share meals with families from a diverse range of faiths and cultures, has been hailed a success.

A dozen meals have taken place as part of the unique project entitled ‘Cops, Communities and Consent’.

Families from Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Polish and diverse communities, were among those who hosted meals and discussed topics ranging from local policing and careers to perceptions of the police.

Chief Constable Simon Cole and Police and Crime Commissioner Lord Willy Bach were among those who sat down to supper with host families. Mr Cole described the project as a chance to “open the doors further into other communities.”

The European project is being led by Leicester charity, the St Philip’s Centre, to foster greater understanding and involvement between different faiths and cultures in diverse cities including Antwerp, in Belgium, and Rotterdam in The Netherlands.

Sergeant Kev Mistry was among those officers who took part. He enjoyed a meal with Muslim family Ismail Jogi and Naadira Nurgat and their sons, at their home in Humberstone.

He said: “As well as enjoying a wonderful meal, it was nice to have the opportunity, in an informal setting, to discuss those issues that matter most to people and gain some new perspectives.

“Local policing is very much about working in partnership and listening to the needs of those living and working in the community so that we can be proactive.”

Barbara Czyznikowska, chair of Project Polska which focuses on improving social cohesion and wellbeing of the Polish communities in Leicestershire, hosted a meal attended by Loughborough Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant Matt Oswin and Loughborough PCSO Matthew Harburt.

She said: “It was a lovely evening, full of informal conversations and laughter. But most importantly, it was a platform to engage in dialogue and learn about each other. It also allowed us to share some of the challenges the Polish community faces and seek collaboration for future initiatives.”

Darsheet Chauhan and his family welcomed Melton inspector Siobhan Gorman and Superintendent Natalee Wignall to his home in Thurnby where they took part in some traditional Hindu activities including Rangoli art.

Mr Chauhan said: “It was a very natural, relaxed, and honest conversation and I think everyone took something away from it. It opened our eyes to policing and equally we were able to share parts of our culture.”

Lord Bach added: “This was a great opportunity to meet people from different faiths and backgrounds in a relaxed situation where we could exchange information and share experiences. It’s an excellent way to learn about each other’s traditions and I believe it will help intercultural understanding and inclusiveness."

The project is funded by the Open Society Foundation which works to build vibrant and tolerant democracies. It will also see officers share and develop learning with European colleagues.

In addition, faith leaders will be invited to ‘shadow’ local officers in their roles in order to get a greater understanding of what this involves. An external ‘Forces Faith Forum’ has also been created to rotate between different places of worship. It is now assisting in reviewing force policies and actions.

Riaz Ravat, deputy director of the St Philip’s Centre said: “As a public service it is vital that the Police have the trust and confidence of all the communities which they serve. The project has made some good inroads into creating opportunities for local people to speak directly to the Police in a free and frank way.”

A successful street robbery operation across the weekend led to five arrests in Leicester City Centre.

The operation saw extra officers patrolling the city centre on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening - alongside usual policing response teams - as police continue their pro-active approach to tackling robberies and keeping the city centre safe.

Neighbourhood officers worked with response officers and CCTV operators to carry out intelligence led high visibility patrols and used their stop search powers when appropriate as part of the operation.

Two young men, aged 15 and 16, were both arrested on suspicion of burglary. One was later released on police bail the other under investigation.

Another 17 year old man was arrested on suspicion of robbery and released under investigation and a 21 year old man was arrested on suspicion of serious affray and was later released on police bail.

A 37 year old man was arrested for failing to appear in court in connection with a common assault and was remanded to reappear in court.

A final good result for officers saw them seize a vehicle without insurance.

Sergeant Dave Adams from the city centre Neighbourhood Policing Area led the operation, he said: “Last weekend’s good results are the product of a lot of hard work.

“We are particularly concerned that in some cases knives are being used to threaten victims and this is something that we simply will not tolerate. I would appeal to parents, if you suspect your child might be carrying a knife then speak to them.

“There is an amnesty bin located at Mansfield House, where people who own knives can hand them in anonymously. I cannot emphasise strongly enough our zero tolerance stance towards knife crime. If you are caught in possession of a knife, you will be arrested.

“If you do have any information relating to street robberies then call the police on 101 or if you would like to report something anonymously then ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Anyone walking through city or town centres is advised to take some simple precautions to keep themselves and their property safe;

• Walk with other people/friends wherever possible • Walk in well-lit areas • Don’t use your phone in the street and don’t put it in a pocket where it is obvious to see. • Be aware of your surroundings • Register all of your personal property at www.immobilise.com - the UK National Property Register.