A man is due to appear at court tomorrow (Friday 20 April) after a robbery at a convenience store in Leicester.

Ayoub Tarey (18) of Linden Drive, Leicester, has been charged with robbery, possession of an imitation firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence and assault.

He is due to appear before Leicester Magistrates’ Court tomorrow.

The charges relates to a robbery at a shop in Main Street, Evington on Christmas Eve last year.

Detectives making enquiries into the circumstances of a collision are asking for public help as part of their investigation.

The collision happened in Overlord Drive, Hinckley, at around 5.45pm yesterday (Wednesday). A car, a white Kia Sportage, was in collision with two children.

A 10-year-old girl and nine-year-old boy were taken to Birmingham Children’s Hospital with serious injuries. They remain in hospital.

No arrests have been made and inquiries are continuing.

Detective Constable Michael Woods, the investigating officer, said: “This collision happened in a residential area when people are likely to have been arriving home from work. Did you see the collision or did you see either the two children or the car beforehand?

“If you have information of any kind that could help my investigation, then please contact me.”

DC Woods can be contacted on 101, quoting incident 506 of 18 April.

A 57-year-old man has been charged with arson following a fire in Ratby, Leicestershire, in the early hours of Tuesday morning (17 April).

Paul Duffy, of Church Street, Ratby, has been remanded into custody and will be appearing at Leicester Magistrates’ Court in the morning (19 April).

Farmers and rural business owners have met with leading police and council representatives to share experiences of rural crime and discuss means of tackling it.

The North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) event on Monday 16 April was supported by Leicestershire Police and saw more than 30 members of rural communities attend, many of them farmers.

Rural crime is one of three priorities for the Safer North West Partnership in 2018/19.

The workshop was held to combat any feeling of isolation felt in rural areas, especially in light of recent farm vehicle thefts which have then been used in ATM raids. Crimes such as fly-tipping, metal theft and fuel thefts were also high on the agenda, with the council and police offering tips and advice on preventative measures that can be used.

These include: • Always secure your perimeter and lock gates where possible.
• Remove keys from vehicles and hide equipment out of view – particularly small and easy to steal items like chainsaws, pressure washers and horse tack. • Consider using security lights, beam breakers or CCTV. • Build relationships and share information with your neighbours. Messaging groups on phones can be great way of communicating with each other.

Feedback was also welcomed from attendees about perceptions of how crime is dealt with, and where they feel the response to rural crime might be improved.

The workshop was held just days after three men were sentenced to more than 30 years in prison for their part in a string of attacks on ATMs across Leicestershire and neighbouring counties.

Speakers at the event on Monday 16 April included: • Leicestershire Police Chief Constable Simon Cole • Police and Crime Commissioner Lord Willy Bach • Robert Cross, Rural Crime Lead at Leicestershire Police • Simon Fisher, County Advisor for the National Farmers’ Union

Chris Brown, Safer and Stronger Communities Team Leader at NWLDC said: “The Community Safety Partnership has rural crime a priority this year and this was a great opportunity to speak directly to those affected by it, hear what they need, so we can respond and improve the way we work.

“Crimes like the ATM raids and fly-tipping are hot topics at the moment but we want people to be assured that in partnership with the police and other authorities we are engaging with those affected, and are determined to bring about a reduction in these types of crimes.”

PC Rob Cross from the Market Bosworth beat team said – “We were really pleased to see such a high number of people at the event. It shows that people want to feed back to police and want to do something about emerging crimes and issues in their local area.

“One of the topics of conversation was the reporting mechanism for rural crime and I would really urge people to report non-emergency incidents to 101 so that we can map patterns of offending and emerging threats.”

Seven members of Leicestershire Police are taking part in this year’s London marathon with all participants having very different reasons for choosing to take part in the gruelling 26.2 mile race.

PSCO Anne Timlock

This will be Anne’s seventh marathon and third London marathon. Her time last year was an impressive 3 hours and 50 minutes – even more impressive when the average amateur time is between 4 and 5 hours. Anne is determined that this will be her last marathon (although her friends have heard that many times before), as such she has decided not to seek charitable donations this year.

PSCO Ian Taylor

Ian is running the marathon to raise money for the Crimestoppers charity. He organised a fundraising event in March where he undertook a gruelling spin cycle of 111rpm for an agonising five hours and five minutes – although he’s hoping that his marathon attempt won’t take that long.

HQ Catering Manager Phil Woods

The 2018 London marathon will be Phil’s 13th consecutive year taking part. He raises funds for HemiHelp further to the support they offered his family after his son was diagnosed with hemiplegia aged two. Phil’s training regime began on New Year’s Eve when he had his last sip of alcohol, he has since been following a running plan.

PC Karen Daybell

This will be Karen’s first ever marathon, she is participating to raise money for the mental health charity MIND. Karen has been taking her training very seriously, and has been following a strict training plan since Boxing Day. In preparation for the big day Karen has already run a half marathon and has completed a 21 mile run.

DI Chris Brett

Chris is running the marathon to raise money for Macmillan and the amazing work they do. Last year Chris’ mum was diagnosed with cancer and received amazing support from Macmillan, thankfully, she is now in remission. The support given by Macmillan to cancer patients and their families is invaluable but depends on your donations.

Communications Officer Claire Tompkins

This will be Claire’s third London marathon, she ran previously for charity however this year she is running it ‘for fun’… if you can call it that! Claire entered the ballot and was lucky enough to secure a place so decided to run for the personal challenge. She is hoping to achieve a new personal best time and is looking forward to soaking up the unique marathon atmosphere.

DCI Paul Mckinder

This will be Paul’s third consecutive year running the marathon, he raises funds for the Children with Cancer charity which enables vital research for a broad range of childhood cancers. Paul has continued his training after finishing last year’s marathon and hoping to improve on last years’ time.

If you would like to donate to any of the team’s chosen charities please follow the links below:

• Ian Taylor

• Phil Woods

• Karen Daybell

• Chris Brett

• Paul McKinder

Officers investigating a report of assault in Leicester have arrested three people.

The incident happened in Rowlatts Hill on 22 February. The victim, a 40-year-old man, was found in Illingworth Road having suffered serious injuries, including four stab wounds to the back of his leg and buttocks as well as a broken jaw.

Three teenagers from Leicester, two aged 16 and another aged 17, were arrested in connection with the incident.

The boys have since been released under investigation while inquiries continue.

Officers are appealing for witnesses after a teenage boy was assaulted in a Leicester street.

A man reportedly shouted verbal abuse at the 14-year-old boy in Beaumont Leys Lane, near Abbey Lane, before the man then punched the boy.

The boy was left with minor injuries following the incident, which happened near a bus stop in the area on Friday 6 April just before 2pm.

It is understood a number of people were in the area at the time and saw the incident.

Police Constable James Dixon said: “Enquiries are continuing into this case and we are asking anyone who was in the area at the time and who may have information to contact us.

“Please think back to where you were at the time of the incident. We believe a couple of people were stood at the bus stop in the area and witnessed the incident. Your information could really help our investigation. If you saw anything which you think could help us, please get in touch.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting incident 18000155328.

The average band D council tax set by local authorities in England for 2018-19 is £1,671, an increase of £81 or 5.1% on last year's figure of £1,591. This includes the parish precepts and represents the highest council tax increase since the mid 2000s ...

Leicestershire Police has been invited to promote its knife crime campaign at the hotly anticipated Leicester Riders vs. London Lions game this Friday (20 April).

By way of supporting the campaign, Leicester Riders’ Captain, Tyler Bernardini and the rest of the basketball team will wear the Leicestershire Police #LivesNotKnives wristbands before and after the game. Officers from the force will also be there to answer any questions and share important information relating to knife crime.

The joint partnership between Leicestershire Police and the Riders aims to combat the on-going issue of knife crime across Leicester and Leicestershire through basketball and other educational work.

The Leicester Riders Foundation is currently working on providing basketball sessions, inspired by the ‘Carry a Basketball Not a Blade’ project in London, to the local community and youth workers to educate on the dangers of carrying a knife.

Mandy Payne, Community Manager at the Leicester Riders Foundation, said: “We are really keen to support the force’s #LivesNotKnives campaign and hope to work closely with Leicestershire Police on implementing our new project.

“We are excited to be involved in helping our community become more active and feel safe by utilising our basketball sessions to help young people overcome barriers and talk about their experiences. It is important for young people to have positive role models and many of our players and staff can relate to their issues.”

Sergeant Glen Iceton, Knife Crime Coordinator for Leicestershire Police, said: “It’s fantastic news that our knife crime initiative #LivesNotKnives is being support by the Leicester Riders.

“Knife crime affects all our communities but particularly young people. We hope that this message from positive role models will reach a lot of young people and endorse our message of making the right choice and not pick up a knife.”

The Leicester Riders vs. London Lions game will be held at the Leicester Arena on Friday 20 April at 7.30pm. Leicestershire Police will be located at the Victory Stand for anyone interested in talking to officers.

For important information and advice on knife crime and the #LivesNotKnives campaign, please visit: https://leics.police.uk/categories/_knife-crime

Detectives investigating an attempted robbery would like to hear from two people believed to have witnessed the incident.

It happened in Rally Park, Leicester, shortly after 6.10pm on 3 April.

The victim, a 20-year-old man, was walking along the canal path when he was stopped by a group of men, who asked what was in his backpack. One of the men then tried to take the backpack from him and when the victim refused, he was kicked in the leg.

A man and a woman passing by shouted across to the group, who then left the scene.

Four men, two aged 22-year-olds, an 18-year-old and a 17-year-old, were arrested on suspicion of robbery. All four have since been released under investigation.

Detective Constable Liz Ayres, the investigating officer, said: “Were you one of the two people in Rally Park who saw what happened just after 6pm on Tuesday 3 April?

“If so, I’d like to speak to you about this incident. You can call me on 101, quoting crime number 18*149742.”

A man has been charged with a number of offences, some relating to burglaries in the Leicestershire area.

Michael Berry, 26, of Lumbertubs Lane, Northampton, has been charged with two counts of robbery, two counts of aggravated burglary, grievous bodily harm, absconding from lawful custody and driving other than in accordance with a licence.

The offences relate to a burglary in Yardley Drive, Leicester, a robbery at a property in Timble Road, Leicester, both on 11 March and a burglary in Edgefield Close, Leicester, and Gaul Street, Leicester, both on 11 April.

He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Leicester Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (Saturday 14 April).

A 36-year-old man has been sentenced to a 12 year jail sentence after admitting 17 sexual offences.

Robin Maughan, of HMP Leicester, is currently serving a 12 year sentence for sexual offences against two children and indecent images of children offences, after pleading guilty to 11 counts in March 2016.

Maughan appeared at Leicester Crown Court in May last year and pleaded guilty to:

• Two counts of intentionally causing or inciting a boy aged 15 to engage in sexual activity of a non-penetrative nature between September 2008 and August 2014

• Six counts of intentionally causing or inciting boys aged between 13 and 15, to engage in penetrative sexual activity between January 2012 and August 2014

• Four counts of intentionally sexually touching boys aged between 13 and 15 between September 2008 and January 2013

• Intentionally caused a boy between 13 and 14 to watch sexual acts between March 2012 and March 2014

• Intentionally sexually touched a boy between 15 and 16, without consent between March 2013 and March 2015

• One count of indecently assaulting a girl aged 14 by penetration, between November 2000 and November 2001

• Taking 81 indecent images of children of category B

• Taking 140 indecent images of children of category C

Investigating officer Rob Waddington said: “Maughan is a dangerous man, who befriended and then subjected young teenagers to sexual abuse over a number of months – and sometimes years – leaving them confused and afraid to report what was happening to them.

“This additional sentence will make sure that Maughan is in prison for many years to come where he unable to harm more vulnerable people.”

“I know there are more victims of Maughan who have yet to come forward to the police.

“If you, or anyone you know, wish to report any incidents concerning Maughan, they will be taken seriously. Please call us on 101 and quote incident 281 of 6 April. Reports will be passed directly to me and there are specially trained officers to help.”

• Maughan will serve a minimum of eight years before he is considered for parole.

Three men have been sentenced to more than 30 years in prison for their part in a string of attacks on ATMs across Leicestershire and neighbouring counties.

They used gas canisters to blow open the ATMs, before using power tools to gain access to the stores to get to the cash – often making off with thousands of pounds.

All three previously admitted eight counts of burglary, three counts of unlawfully and maliciously causing an explosion of a nature likely to endanger life or cause serious damage to property, and one count of theft.

At Leicester Crown Court today (Friday) they were sentenced as follows:

Charlie Smith, 31, of Mere Lane in Bitteswell, Lutterworth: sentenced to 10 years and seven months

Alfie Adams, 36, of Bickershaw Lane in Wigan: sentenced to 12 years

John Doran, 20, of Gelderd Road in Gildersome, Leeds: sentenced to eight years and seven months. He was also given an additional five month sentence for breaching a suspended sentence.

The charges relate to a number of attacks on ATM machines at businesses across Leicestershire and neighbouring counties in October and November last year.

On three occasions, the men used gas canisters to blow up the machines, allowing them to get to the cash inside.

Detective Chief Inspector Martin Smalley led the investigation. He said: “These three men caused hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of damage to stores across the region, taking a very blasé attitude to their own, and the public’s safety.

“The volatile gas mixtures they used to cause the explosions could have had devastating consequences.

“These crimes were very visible in the community, and the impact felt by residents and business owners was significant. The reliance on these ATMs by such small rural communities was great, but the fear and discord caused by these attacks in what was often the heart of their village was much greater.

“At the time of these incidents there was some criticism — an opinion that little action was being taken by the police — but this wasn’t the case. In the background a number of teams using a variety of tactics were working tirelessly to identify and arrest those responsible. From those responding to the live incidents, through to scene preservation and investigation, it’s been a massive undertaking both by the force with vital support from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit. It’s work we often don’t like to talk about, but rest assured this burglary series was a top priority.

“With the culprits now in prison for a very long time, we hope a sense safety and security has been returned to our communities.”

The charges relate to the below incidents in 2017:

• Burglary at Kate’s Cabin, Great North Road, Chesterton, Cambridgeshire, on 28 October.
• Burglary at Post Office, George Street, Lutterworth, on 28 October.
• Burglary at Shell Petrol Station, Brook Street, Tring, Hertfordshire, on 8 November.
• Burglary at Co-Operative store, in Rockfield Road, Monmouth, Wales, on 8 November.
• Burglary at Co-Operative store in Bignal Court, Kettering, Northamptonshire on 21 November.
• Theft of motor vehicle in Nuneaton, Warkwickshire, between 20 November and 23 November.
• Burgle and unlawfully and maliciously cause an explosion of a nature likely to endanger life or cause serious damage to property at Co-operative store in Cosby, Leicestershire, on 21 November.
• Burgle and unlawfully and maliciously cause an explosion of a nature likely to endanger life or cause serious damage to property at Tesco Express, London Road in Hinckley, Leicestershire, on 22 November.
• Burgle and unlawfully and maliciously cause an explosion of a nature likely to endanger life or cause serious damage to property at Co-operative store in Burwell, Cambridgeshire, on 22 November.

All three had other burglary offences taken in to consideration:

Co-Op Gun Hill, Arley, Coventry on 8 September; Co-op Linden Drive, Lutterworth on 8 September; Co-Op High Street, Kibworth on 27 September; Nationwide Greevegate, Hunstanton, Norfolk, on 27 Sept 2017, Shell garage, Princes Risborough on 3 October; Co-Op High Street, Crick, Northamptonshire on 4 October; Co-Op Main Street, Countesthorpe, Leicestershire, on 4 October; Spar, High Street, Raundas, Northamptonshire on 4 October; Co-Op, Oundle Northants on 24 October; Co-Op Oakham on 30 October; Tesco, High Street, Weedon, Northamptonshire on 1 November; High Street, Hillmorton on 1 November; Co-Op Lyndey, Gloucestershire on 10 November; Texaco Garage, Huntley, Gloucestershire on 10 November

Doran and Adams also had a burglary at Tesco express, St Ives, on 13 November taken into consideration.

Detectives investigating a fatal road traffic collision have issued a renewed appeal for potential witnesses to come forward.

A white BMW 520d was in collision with a pedestrian, a 52-year-old man, who died as a result of his injuries.

Police would like to speak to the drivers and any passengers of five vehicles who it is believed may have seen the actions of the pedestrian prior to the collision taking place or who witnessed the collision occur.

The collision happened just after midnight on Monday 2 April, on the A6 Harborough Road at the junction with Queen Street, in Oadby.

The vehicles are:

• A white van
• Two white cars
• A small dark-coloured car
• A black taxi

Detective Constable Pete Davies, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Were you in one of the vehicles in the area at the time? You might have had to stop, even for a brief moment, because of this collision. Did you see the collision occur or did you see the pedestrian beforehand?

“If you were in one of the five vehicles, then I would like to hear from you. Even if you thought you only caught a passing glance, what you saw may be useful to our enquiries.”

Witnesses can contact DC 1761 Davies on 101, quoting incident 2 of 2 April.

A man has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and burglary in relation to a number of incidents in the Leicestershire and Northamptonshire areas.

The 26-year-old-man, of Northampton, has been arrested on suspicion of burglary at a property in Yardley Drive, Leicester, on 11 March and on suspicion of robbery at a property in Timble Road, Leicester, on 11 March.

He has also been arrested on suspicion of 14 further burglaries which relate to incidents in the Northamptonshire and Thames Valley area.

The man has also been arrested on suspicion of possessing criminal property, absconding lawful custody and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

He currently remains in police custody where he is being questioned by detectives.

A rapist has been jailed for more than 13 years after he forced his way into an elderly woman’s home and attacked her.

Shyhiem Frances-Myers, 21, of Wigston, knocked on the door of the woman’s home in Wigston on the morning of 13 January.

When she answered the door, Frances-Myers forced his way in and raped her before fleeing - taking her bank card with him.

After he left, the victim immediately called the force for help.

Frances-Myers pleaded guilty to two counts of rape when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court in February. He also admitted two counts of sexual assault and one count of theft at the same hearing.

Today, at the same court, he was sentenced to 13-and-a-half years’ imprisonment. He was also ordered to sign the sexual offenders register for life.

Detective Constable Chris Sherwin, who led the investigation, said: “While this sentence won’t change the horrendous attack Frances-Myers subjected the victim to, I hope it offers some closure to her.

“She has shown incredible bravery throughout this ordeal, and fully supported the police investigation allowing us to bring this offender to justice.”

In October last year, Leicestershire Police launched its All Is Not Lost campaign. The campaign aims to raise greater awareness of rape as a crime, to encourage those who have been a victim to report early and to retain evidence and to dispel myths and preconceptions around victims and perpetrators.

DC Sherwin added: “We have specially trained officers to help victims of rape and sexual assault from the moment they make the report, throughout the whole court process.

“We are here to help and we urge victims of sexual offences to come forward knowing that they will be taken seriously and as much support as possible will be provided.”

Please see below for important information from NALC on a current consultation:

Dear colleague,

As you may know, the Government have recently issued a consultation on powers for dealing with unauthorised developments and encampments. The consultation document can be found here ...

Leicestershire’s Police Chief is speaking at a rural crime event in North West Leicestershire with the Police and Crime Commissioner. The event is for farmers and business owners from rural communities to learn from experts about how they can help play a part in crime reduction.

The event is being hosted jointly by North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) and Leicestershire Police, the upcoming rural crime prevention event will talk about crime and policing in these communities, and the challenges faced by farmers and businesses.

This will include advice and ideas of how to reduce the number of thefts of farm vehicles which are then sometimes used in ATM raids – a crime that increased across the Midlands last year.

It will also tackle any feeling of isolation felt by communities in rural areas, and reiterate that their safety from crime is as important as it is in town and city centres.

Speakers at the event on Monday 16 April include: • Leicestershire Police Chief Constable Simon Cole • Police and Crime Commissioner Willy Bach • Robert Cross, Rural Crime Lead at Leicestershire Police • A representative of NFU Mutual.

Councillor Alison Smith MBE, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Community Services at NWLDC, said: “It’s really important to us that we reach everyone in the community when it comes to offering help and advice about crime – and that includes those that work on farms or own rural businesses.

“We’re hosting the event in a barn at the end of the working day so people can join us in their muddy boots at a relaxed location, and hopefully really gain something from the event.

“The theft of farm machinery has been a hot topic in the last year, as they are often then used for further crimes – and if this event can reduce this and other types of rural crime, then it will be more than worthwhile.”

PC Rob Cross, the forces wildlife crime officer, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for rural businesses, farmers and the wider rural community to speak to police and statutory partners about issues that affect them directly. From thefts of plant, scrap and livestock right through to rural vulnerability. We’d like to see as many people here as possible.”

Many farmers and rural business owners have been invited directly to the event, but anybody else that would like to attend can book online by searching ‘NWLDC’ on Eventbrite.

Officers are appealing for witnesses after a teenage boy was assaulted in a Leicester park.

A group of people approached the 15-year-old boy in Braunstone Park, at around 8.45pm on Tuesday 10 April.

The boy was assaulted and sustained a number of injuries. He was treated at hospital and has since been discharged.

Enquiries are continuing into the incident and officers are appealing for information.

Police Constable Gemma Stevens said: “We are asking anyone who was in the area of Braunstone Park on Tuesday evening to think back to if they saw the incident or if they have any information which could help us.

“Did you see anything unusual or out of the ordinary which caused you concern? Do you have any CCTV or dashcam footage from the area which could help our investigation?

“If you have any information, then please get in touch.”

Anyone who has any information is asked to call 101 quoting incident 18000161777.

A flat in the city centre which has been causing problems for local residents with persistent anti social behaviour (ASB) has been closed by police.

Over the past six months residents have reported continual problems with ASB and drug dealing within a flat at 39a West Street.

On Tuesday 10 April Leicester Magistrates Court granted a full closure order, evicting the occupants from the property for three months. A copy of the closure order is displayed outside.

Inspector Manjit Atwal of Central Leicester Neighbourhood Policing Area (NPA) said: “We have received numerous complaints from local residents about activity at this address. It is completely unacceptable and has seriously affected the lives and wellbeing of residents living nearby.

“We have taken necessary action to bring the unacceptable behaviour to an end. We owe it to people living nearby to take steps which will allow them to live in safety and peace without having to tolerate this.”

Anyone breaching the order can be arrested and, if found guilty, could face a punishment of up to six months in prison and an unlimited fine.