Hello Resident,

We hope you are keeping well. Below is our monthly Newsletter for August and a quick update as to what we have been up to since our last update. Our crime reduction catalogue is also attached to this email. 

Following targeted patrols this week, we have had a couple of “runners”. one incident regarding a fail to stop, suspect was then caught after trying to flee the seen and was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and failing to stop, then further arrested for possession with intent to supply drugs. We have also been responding to concerns around a suspicious male in the Canberra way area, again, a suspect fled the scene. We are completing door knocks and follow up work to address this person so that re-assurance can be given to local residents regarding activity in the area. 

Please see this link regarding an incident in Burbage which due to court proceedings, we were unable to publicly report on at the time. Thankfully, this type of incident in Burbage is not common but a good result to share with you. ‘Never off-duty’ - Chief Constable arrests teenager armed with knife | Leicestershire Police

Scam Alert Awareness as requested by resident. You can also visit the “Which” website to keep up to date with scams. 

As the temperatures continue to soar, Which? is warning shoppers to watch out for fake and non-existent air-conditioning units being flogged online. 

Throughout the heatwaves, the demand for air-conditioning units has been unsurprisingly high, and scammers have seized the opportunity to capitalise on this. Some of the biggest cons have been a fake Aldi website selling air-con units and various dodgy 'air cooler' products being peddled on social media.

Which? has now been alerted to an online retailer currently trading as 'Picadex', which claims to sell household items including air conditioners, yet customers complain of receiving nothing, that a product isn't as described and of unauthorised card charges. 

Heatwave scams: watch out for dodgy air-conditioner offers - Which?

Burbage Police Newsletter August 2026

Issue: Summer Update August 2026

Welcome to my monthly update for the residents and communities of the Burbage. Neighbourhood Policing Area (NPA). This newsletter will be circulated on a regular basis and will provide an insight into what is happening at the NPA. 

 Burbage | Your area | Leicestershire Police | Leicestershire Police

#YouSaid - What matters to you

We have listened to you and the concerns you raised and prioritised the following: Below are our new priorities which we will be actioning this month. Below are our new priorities for the next few months. 

Priority 1: Residential Burglary 

You Said – The area of Burbage historically has been a target for house burglaries. The draw of an affluent area close to major road networks makes the area ideal for cross boarder criminality. Although in recent years this type of crime has reduced considerably, the fear of being burgled remains and as such throughout the summer we will make this a priority.

Priority 2: Anti-social Behaviour 

You Said – Summer holidays see and extended period where young people have more time on their hands. Warmer and lighter evenings encourage people outside to enjoy open spaces, meet up and have fun. This often leads to an increase in reports of Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) which impacts significantly on the quality of life to people effected.

Priority 3: Vehicle Crime

You Said – High-End motor vehicle thefts has been identified as a priority for the next 3 months. Such high-end vehicles are appealing to criminals and can often be stolen via the specialist kit extending the key’s signal in order to unlock the car and subsequently start it.

#WeDid - What we are doing

• Residential Burglary - You can expect to see us around the Village at key times where data tells us that premises are at the most risk, we will continue to complete a enhanced level of enquiries at all reports of burglary or suspicious activity to help maximise the opportunity to identify offenders. We will use our social media channels to provide crime prevention advice and guidance throughout the summer on ways to prevent your home being targeted including the need to make it look lived in whilst away on holiday, by ensuring bins are not left out driveways not left empty and homes not left in complete darkness. Additionally we will be reminding people to close windows and doors when they leave the home or when they are in the different part of the home to prevent opportunities.  During July, there was 1 report of burglary up until the 20th of July, when it appears a group have been active in the area and committed several other attempt breaks. These appear to have been mainly vehicle related. There has been multiple reports of suspicious vehicles and activity, where we are completing CCTV work to identify those involved. It appears a small group are active in the early hours of the morning, checking doors, jumping gardens and looking for easy targets. We have been completing extensive work around Burbage which includes patrols, CCTV work, community engagement and crime reduction methods. We have also raised awareness around windows being left open and possessions being left on show in vehicles. We are also encouraging people to call 999 immediately if you see a crime in progress as we often get notified of this activity the day after. 
• Anti-social Behaviour –We will continue our focus on ASB throughout the summer months. We will ensure patrols are conducted in hotspot areas and groups engaged with to remind them of the need to enjoy these spaces safely and responsibly. Where ASB occurs we will be working in partnership with the local authority to identify and deal with perpetrators via the incremental approach.  During July, We have been receiving reports of E-Scooter use, further graffiti (one arrested) and we have been dealing with ongoing neighbour disputes. Subjects such as parking, harassment and drug use are often the causes of these reports. We have been working with HBBC and housing providers to implement the incremental approach. We continue to patrol local park and engage with youths, no major concerns at this time during the school holidays. We have also removed multiple abandoned vehicles due to expired tax and involved in crime. 
• Vehicle Crime - Our team will be present at all events across the Burbage area this year armed with Faraday pouches and other useful crime prevention kit to help ensure that you car is as safe as possible. We will continue to use CCTV and ANPR to identify and understand this criminality and maximise the chances of bringing offenders to justice.  During July, one motorbike stolen and one car stolen (car has been recovered by Police). As mentioned above, it appears the attempt residential burglaries may be vehicle related. Suspects will gain entry via open/unlocked rear windows and grab keys. We are raising awareness and patrolling in relevant areas. We have also supported residents with a range of items such as RFID wallets, shed alarms and window alarms. During the warmer weather we see an increase in motorist leaving vehicles and properties unlocked and windows open when they are not present, we continue to remind people to not leave easy targets for opportunistic criminals. 

Meet your Team - Upcoming public engagements

Below are our community engagement events for August. Feel free to pop along and meet your local beat team.

• Hasting High School Gardening event.  Saturday 15th August from around 16:00 - 18:30
• Beat surgery, Co-op Boyslade Road, Wednesday 19/08/2026, 15:00-16:30  
• We are also completing targeted events at local businesses and partner agencies, so please get in touch if you would like a visit from us to help and support your local area. 

If you would like any crime reduction support, or items from the attached catalogue, please feel free to email us directly Darren.stretton@leics.police.uk

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