Positive results for forest used by thousands during crisis
A 14-YEAR-OLD boy has been arrested after two youths on stolen motorbikes went on a joyride in a town centre.
Police were called out to reports of the riders’ antisocial behaviour in and around Swan Street and Russell Street, in Loughborough.
Officers arrested one of the suspects after discovering one of the bikes in Loughborough Cemetery.
The second motorcycle was later recovered after a tip-off by a member of the public.
Charnwood Police posted on Twitter about the incident, which took place shortly after 5pm on Wednesday last week.
The post said: “Great team effort earlier, stolen motor bike causing issues in Loughborough town, near McDonald’s.
“Male later arrested and bike recovered. Just located and recovered a second stolen motor bike involved in the same incident.”
A force spokesperson said: “At around 5.15pm (on Wednesday) two motorcycles, which had previously been reported stolen, were seen being ridden in Swan Street and Russell Street.
“Officers were deployed and located one of the motorcycles in the cemetery.
“A 14-year-old boy from Syston was arrested nearby on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle.”
The teenager was taken into custody.
“Shortly before 7.15pm, a call was received from a member of the public stating that another motorcycle which was believed to have been stolen was in the cemetery,” the police added.
“Both have been recovered and inquiries are continuing.”
THE National Forest has published excellent results and presented a positive view for the future, despite it being the most challenging year for a generation.
The National Forest has come into its own throughout the pandemic and repeated lockdowns.
Its most recent Annual Report, covering the year 2020/21, has shown that the 200,000-plus people who live by the forest have been able to find solace and exercise in the many young and established woodlands, throughout its 200 square miles.
Three decades of tree planting in and around where people live and work has meant woodlands and green space were easily available to people, just when they needed them.
The annual report highlights the role the forest has played supporting people through the challenges of Covid-19, providing woodlands to exercise in close to home, and outdoor spaces for primary school children to learn in safely, reconnect to the natural world and offer a boost for their mental health.
John Everitt, chief executive of the National Forest Company (NFC), said: “I am proud that the National Forest presents a positive view of the future, for a greener, healthier and more sustainable planet.
CRIMESTOPPERS has launched a campaign in Leicestershire and Rutland appealing for communities to take a stand against crime - anonymously.
The charity received information about more than 3,000 crimes last year - an increase from the year before which shows that more people are trusting the 100 per cent anonymous crime reporting service.
With funding support from Leicestershire Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews and Leicestershire Police, Crimestoppers is making more people aware of its guaranteed 100 per cent anonymity promise when taking and passing on crime information, which can be done in over 150 languages.
For those who call the charity, if required, a translator can be on the other end of the line within minutes.
Crimestoppers also has a service for young people, Fearless, which allows young people to learn about what constitutes a crime, which activities are illegal and the consequences of criminal behaviour.
“The forest has played an important role to support people through the challenges of Covid-19, providing greenspace to exercise close to home, outdoor spaces to retreat to safely, and reconnection with the natural world to boost mental health.”
John went on to thank the partner organisations that work with the National Forest: “It is clear that while Covid-19 has been the immediate threat, climate change remains the most pressing issue of our time and only through such collaboration with partners will we be able to create the positive future we all need.”
After 30 years of forest creation, the National Forest reached nine million trees in March 2020. Lockdown restrictions meant the celebrations for the nine millionth tree had to be virtual, but with the help of Aardman Animations and Shaun the Sheep the planting event was hugely popular.
More than 60 per cent of primary schools in the forest are now delivering regular outdoor learning sessions for their students, supported by
Fearless also empowers young people to speak out about crime anonymously via the Fearless.org website.
Lydia Patsalides, East Midlands regional manager for Crimestoppers, said: “With a recent national focus on ending violence against women, we hope to encourage people who know about crime to report this information 100 per cent anonymously to Crimestoppers.
“I feel it’s really important that the people of Leicestershire and Rutland, no matter their background and no matter the language they speak, know they have a voice to be able to schools’ networks facilitated by the NFC and many being funded by the NFC to train staff and prepare their grounds as outdoor woodland classrooms. This is a significant achievement, especially in the light of all that schools have been through in the past year. Head teachers say how much outdoor learning can help with children’s mental health and social development, both of which are invaluable in these continuing challenging times. Other notable milestones include more than 200 hectares of forest creation speak up about their concerns on crime in their community.
“Some people have information about crime but feel they don’t have anywhere or anyone to turn to. Please remember Crimestoppers charity is here to help. We do not judge or take any personal details from those that contact us. All we want is the information you have. You will remain 100 per cent anonymous. Always.
“We are grateful for the support we have received from Rupert Matthews, Leicestershire PCC, in funding this campaign and we hope it can have a positive impact on helping to reduce crime in the county. achieved during the year, woodlands in management reached 82 per cent (compared to less than 60% nationally), and 80 per cent of all new habitats providing public access for communities in the Forest.
Dr Ian Duncan, chairman of the NFC, said: “I believe the National Forest’s demonstration role is now more important than ever as the country looks to make the right changes to decision making that can spark a green recovery. Tree planting is taking centre stage with the new Trees Action Plan and Nature for Climate Fund.”
The National Forest covers 200 sq m of the counties of Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire.
“In over 33 years, our charity has always kept its promise of anonymity to everyone who contacts us by calling our UK Contact Centre on 0800 555 111 at any time or by completing a simple and secure anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org. Young people can give their crime information anonymously via Fearless.org”
Rupert Matthews added: “Crimestoppers provides people who might not otherwise come forward, with the opportunity to give vital intelligence to the police, anonymously. In turn, this can either help to solve a crime, or prevent crime in our neighbourhoods.
“We all want to live without the fear of crime, which is why I urge anyone with information that could help the police to report it. I hope this campaign means there will be fewer victims and more offenders arrested for their actions, which bring misery and trauma to those affected.”
If you have information on a crime, contact Crimestoppers on freephone 0800 555 111.