Libraries’ click and collect is launched
TIP-OFFS HELP POLICE CLOSE DOWN DOZENS OF CANNABIS FACTORIES IN PAST THREE MONTHS
last week, police said they had been able to hit cannabis growers hard because the coronavirus crisis had freed officers from time-consuming duties such as policing pubs and clubs.
It also said there has been an increase in “intelligence reports” about suspicious activity around drug houses from people living nearby who have been forced to stay at home because of the pandemic.
The Mercury asked Leicestershire Police whether this analysis applied here.
In a statement, it said: “Between
April 1 and June 24, officers attended 32 incidents where cannabis was being grown on a large scale.
“The discoveries were made following information received and attending other incidents where plants were subsequently found.
“Around 5,000 plants have been recovered, with an estimated street value of £3.5 million.”
One of the most significant operations took place last week when officers raided a property in Bardon Hill, near Coalville, and found about 900 plants.
At the other end of the scale, officNottinghamshire ers seized about 40 plants after residents raised the alarm about suspicious activity at a house in London Road, Oadby, last week.
Detective Inspector Deb Hubbard, of Leicestershire Police, said: “Tackling the production and distribution of drugs such as cannabis remains one of our priorities.
“In recent months, we’ve recovered thousands of plants with a street value of more than £3 million.
“This has been achieved through partnership working within the force and information passed on to us by our communities.
“Information passed on to us from the public is crucial to us tackling issues around cannabis production and we continue to encourage anyone who has information that can help us to get in touch.”
Previously, police in the city have urged private landlords to keep a closer eye on their properties and to report any concerns to police.
THE county council has announced further details of the click and collect service which is now available at some libraries.
In a first step towards resuming a normal service, library members can request a selection of books and audiobooks from their local branch.
The service is now available at 11 of Leicestershire’s 16 main libraries with some community-managed libraries also offering click and collect.
However, due to increased restrictions in Leicester and parts of the county, click and collect won’t be available at Birstall, Glenfield, Oadby or Wigston libraries.
Due to minor refurbishment works, Blaby library will be offering click and collect from Monday, July 13.
Councillor Richard Blunt, pictured, county council cabinet member for libraries, said: “I’m delighted this is now available as we know libraries play such a vital role in supporting residents to access resources which can provide learning, enjoyment and support for health and wellbeing.
“We’re increasingly aware many of our customers are now choosing from our vast digital library of thousands of titles, but we know some of our members still enjoy borrowing a book physically and on a librarian’s recommendation.”
Selections will be hand-picked by library staff based on customers’ preferences, including their favourite author or genre, which can be saved to aid future requests.
Hand sanitisers will be available at all sites and any returned items will be put in safe storage for 72 hours before being put back on the shelves.