Westcotes

You Said: You are concerned and frustrated by individuals involved in drug use and dealing in public spaces across our beat.
What We Are Going To Do: We have a number of days of action planned where you will see officers out in force, targeting those involved in drug-related offences. Our focus will be on enforcement, disruption, and working with partners to tackle the root causes and reduce harm in the community.

Throughout August, neighbourhood officers have continued to tackle drug use and drug dealing across the Westcotes area through targeted patrols, intelligence-led activity, and partnership working.
Officers have carried out regular high-visibility and plain-clothes patrols in areas identified through community concerns and local intelligence. These patrols have resulted in several stop searches, seizures of controlled substances, and positive action being taken against individuals suspected of being involved in drug-related offending.
The team has continued to develop intelligence around those involved in the supply of drugs within the area, allowing resources to be directed towards repeat offenders and emerging hotspots. Information received from residents has played a vital role in identifying locations where enforcement activity has been most needed.
Alongside enforcement, officers have worked with Leicester City Council, housing providers, and partner agencies to address locations linked to anti-social behaviour and drug misuse. This collaborative approach aims to reduce harm, improve community safety, and provide longer-term solutions to recurring issues.
Throughout the month, officers have remained visible within the community through foot patrols, community engagement events, and Beat Bus deployments. We would like to thank residents for continuing to report concerns and provide information that helps us target those involved in criminal activity.

Priority: Retail Crime in the Westcotes Area
You Said: We have had an increase of reports relating to retail crime covering both theft and ASB impacting our local businesses.
What We Are Going To Do: We are implementing a dedicated patrol plan to increase police presence in key locations, focusing deterring those who are causing the biggest issues. We have already identified the repeat offenders and have a plan of action to specifically engage with those offenders and put the spotlight on their specific situations that feed this sort of crime and ASB.

Throughout August, officers have continued to focus on retail crime and associated anti-social behaviour affecting businesses across Westcotes.
Regular patrols have been conducted around key retail locations and at times when offences are most commonly reported. These patrols have provided reassurance to business owners and staff whilst acting as a deterrent to those involved in shop theft and disorder.
The neighbourhood team has maintained close contact with local retailers, reviewing reports, gathering evidence, and developing intelligence concerning repeat offenders. As a result, positive action has been taken against individuals responsible for a significant number of reported incidents, with ongoing investigations continuing where appropriate.
Officers have also worked alongside partner agencies to address some of the underlying causes linked to repeat offending, including vulnerability, substance misuse, and wider support needs. This balanced approach seeks not only to enforce the law but also to reduce repeat offending in the longer term.
Engagement with businesses remains a key part of our approach, and we encourage retailers to continue reporting offences and sharing information. The information provided helps officers identify patterns, target resources effectively, and achieve positive outcomes for the local business community.

Priority: ASB with particular focus on those seeking and using sex workers in public places.

You Said: We’ve received a number of reports about some specific areas that have been used for sex work to the frustration of

What We Are Going To Do: Typically this is a sensitive area of policing where we see high levels of vulnerabilities with those involved. That being said we cannot accept the families and residents that make up our communities being exposed to this behaviour. Therefore we are going to target those who are using sex workers in public places through specific intelligence led operations with a view to deterring these activities taking place.

During August, officers have continued to address anti-social behaviour linked to individuals seeking and using sex workers in public places, following concerns raised by residents and local businesses.
Targeted patrols have been conducted in identified hotspot locations, particularly during periods where activity has historically been reported. Both high-visibility and intelligence-led deployments have been used to deter offending, gather information, and provide reassurance to the wider community.
The neighbourhood team has continued to work with partner agencies and support services to ensure that vulnerable individuals encountered during this work are offered appropriate safeguarding opportunities and access to support where required.
Community intelligence has enabled officers to build a clearer picture of activity within the area, helping to identify trends, target resources effectively, and support future enforcement activity. Information provided by residents continues to play an important role in shaping our response.
Officers have also engaged with local residents during patrols and community events to discuss concerns and provide reassurance. We remain committed to reducing the impact of this behaviour on the local community and will continue to carry out targeted operations and partnership work throughout the coming months.