Officers discover a cannabis factory as part of Neighbourhood Policing Week

A neighbourhood policing week designed to throw a spotlight on officers’ work in our communities saw a number of operations carried out, weapons and drugs seized and dozens of arrests take place.

The force joined others from up and down the country to support Neighbourhood Policing Week which ran from 17 -23 January.

Among the week’s success stories was the seizure of nearly 300 cannabis plants worth in the region of £190,000 from a residential address in Leicester, leading to the arrest of a 39-year-old man. Olsi Marishta, of Noel Street in Leicester, was subsequently charged with production of a controlled drug of class B – cannabis.

Other arrests which took place included those for modern day slavery offences, theft of a motor vehicle, and possession of drugs with intent to supply. 

Officers conducted speed checks while trying to educate motorists about the ‘Fatal Four’ – not wearing a seatbelt, drink/drug driving, speeding and using a mobile phone. Dozens of beat surgeries took place, as well as operations to tackle antisocial behaviour, burglary, and poor parking around schools. A number of test purchasing operations were conducted for the sale of alcohol and knives.

Throughout the week, officers took the opportunity to speak to school pupils about subjects including personal safety and county lines. A knife arch was used in various locations across the city and county with knife sweeps taking place and plain clothes officers were also in parks and streets at key times. A number of farm visits took place and there were opportunities to speak to officers at Melton, Uppingham and Oakham markets. Police cadets also conducted crime prevention door knocks.

In addition, officers and staff were out and about encouraging those they met to sign up to Neighbourhood Link  - a free email alert system from the force, Neighbourhood Watch and other partner organisations, providing relevant news and updates on policing where you live and work. In all, some 350 individuals signed up throughout the week.

Superintendent Paul Allen from the force’s Local Policing Directorate (LPD) said: “I’m glad the week gave us the opportunity to shout about the work our officers and staff do in our neighbourhoods every single day to prevent harm and problem solve.

“This week wasn’t out of the ordinary for us – we hold beat surgeries, run operations, conduct warrants and liaise with our partners on a daily basis, as well as respond to incidents as and when they arise.

“We know that officers need to be embedded in their communities and that by working with them and our partners in education, health, local authority, criminal justice and other organisations, we can best serve their needs. This is part of our public health approach aimed at tackling the causes of crime and diverting people towards positive pathways.

“My thanks go to all our officers and staff who work hard every day to make a difference.”

Rupert Matthews, Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, supported the week. He visited officers in Melton to discuss their work, and spoke to local farmers about the issues they face as well as local councillors.

He said: “Our neighbourhood officers are a vital link between the police and communities. They know and understand their local areas, they know who to keep an eye on and who is most vulnerable. They are well aware of the key areas for concern and in my view they are the absolute bedrock of modern policing.

“Last week I saw the huge range of work these officers undertake, there is certainly never a dull day.”