Nobody should feel unsafe walking through their town centre. On Saturday, I hosted one of my regular crime and antisocial behaviour forums in Loughborough, hearing directly from residents and businesses about what they’re experiencing on the ground, and what needs to change
I was joined on the panel by Loughborough BID (LoveLoughborough), Leicestershire Police, Leicestershire County Council, Charnwood Borough Council, and a Borough Councillor for Southfields. We heard directly from the residents and businesses who live and work with these issues every day.
What you told us
Attendees, and those who submitted concerns in advance, raised a clear and consistent picture of what living and working in the town centre can feel like. The main issues raised were: people loitering and using substances in the centre and outside homes and businesses, harassment, shoplifting and theft, bike crime, and antisocial behaviour involving young people.
What action is underway
I’m pleased that:
The BID has secured funding for two fast-response security officers, supplied 20 bodycams to retailers, and has 84 radios active across shops, restaurants, and businesses in the town centre.
The BID runs regular Shop Watch and Pub Watch meetings, giving businesses a direct channel to raise concerns and stay informed about what’s happening locally.
Charnwood Borough Council (CBC) is procuring an upgraded CCTV system with better image quality and stronger tools for identifying and banning repeat offenders.
Police are running targeted operations – Op Original on illegal motorcycles and mopeds, and Op Pedalfast on e-bikes and e-scooters – with powers to seize vehicles.
CBC is working with the Falcon Centre on an action plan to reduce ASB in the surrounding area, including redesigning the entrance to reduce congregation outside.
CBC brought along free personal safety devices for attendees, including heavy-duty bike locks, personal alarms, and digital safety tools.
What happens next?
I’m personally following up with residents who raised concerns and didn’t get the response they needed from agencies.
Police will be increasing their town centre presence over the May half-term and summer holidays.
Businesses have offered to work in partnership with police and agencies on security and youth engagement, and I’ll be joining that work directly.
Leicestershire County Council’s IMPACT Team will be prioritising Loughborough town centre for targeted youth outreach.
I’ll be raising the issue of unsafe delivery rider behaviour (from Deliveroo and Just Eat) directly with those companies at a national level.
Please keep reporting
Please keep reporting crime and ASB to the police, even when it feels like nothing is happening. Every report matters. Reports build the evidence base that justifies more officers, operations and resources for our community. Your voice, even when submitted quietly online, makes a difference.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, submitted concerns in advance, or emailed in. This is our town centre, and we all deserve to feel safe in it. I’ll keep you updated.
Got concerns about crime or ASB in Loughborough town centre?
Report directly to the police, or contact my office at jeevun.sandher.mp@parliament.uk or call 01509 351 051.