Summer Blitz On Town Centre Crime

Shoplifting and anti-social behaviour will be targeted during a summer blitz on crime in Market Harborough town centre.

The town is one of a number of places nationwide selected by the government to take part in the ‘Safer Streets’ initiative.

It will see patrols stepped-up, targeted enforcement, community engagement events and collaboration with Harborough District Council and support services to address the root causes of crime.

Sgt Pete Jelbert from Market Harborough’s neighbourhood policing team spoke to HFM:

Patrols are being upped during the Safer Street initiative

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “High streets and town centres are the very heart of our communities. Residents and businesses have the right to feel safe in their towns. But the last government left a surge in shop theft, street crime and anti-social behaviour which has left too many town centres feeling abandoned.

“It’s time to turn this round, that’s why I have called on police forces and councils alike to work together to deliver a summer blitz on town centre crime to send a clear message to those people who bring misery to our towns that their crimes will no longer go unpunished.

“The fact that 500 towns have signed up shows the strength of feeling on this issue.

“Through our Safer Streets Mission and Plan for Change, we are putting officers back on the beat where you can see them and making our town centres safe again.”