Leicestershire Police says a 'hotspot' team - which has been extended to Ashby and Coalville - has seen encouraging results.

The police teams were originally set up to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour in Leicester City Centre.

But it has been further extended this year by Home Office GRIP funding - with additional visible patrols also happening in Coalville and Ashby.

Leicestershire Police says the growing team are using crime data to target their patrols in the times and places where they can best prevent crime and anti-social behaviour. 

It adds that, in a short space of time, the dedicated team have already helped to convict offenders, safeguard victims, and produce intelligence which has led to the recovery of firearms.

As a result of the dedicated team's patrols, the force says the following work has been carried out:

• 94 arrests
• 89 stop searches
• 7 missing people found
• 255 intel logs
• 99 crime reports
• 5 Section-50 ASB powers issued

Last weekend, a dispersal order was put in place in Coalville town centre due to police concerns surrounding anti-social behaviour.

Sergeant Matt Orton, who oversees the dedicated hotspot team, added: "The team are working tirelessly on a day-to-day basis, hitting the hotspots engaging with the public, submitting intel logs, and arresting those who cause the most harm. 

"They are becoming familiar with the repeat victims and perpetrators, and this is all down to their willingness to be in the right place at the right time. Please engage with our officers if you see them – they are there to support you and the area."

The team have been working with partner agencies and the local community to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour as a holistic approach. 

Leicestershire Police have been awarded £1.5m through the Home Office GRIP fund in 2024/2025 to tackle serious violence and anti-social behaviour within Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland.