Today I met with Police in Rutland, our Police and Crime Commissioner, Rutland County Council, Rutland Public Health and a Home Office Minister to discuss the response to the criminality we’ve seen in Rutland over the last few days and to follow up on our many calls over the weekend.
In my meetings I raised the following on behalf of residents:
- Intimidation of shop workers and owners.
- Dangerous driving and racing on the Bypass and other roads in Rutland.
- Robbery, especially of young people.
- Noise levels, especially after 10pm.
- Anti-social behaviour.
- COVID measure adherence within the Showground and by visitors to our businesses.
- Businesses feeling they have no option but to close.
- Patrol locations including hot spots, our villages, Melton and nearby schools.
- Clean up after the event.
- The Police are taking all these issues very seriously, and there have been a number of arrests. There is monitoring of noise levels taking place, higher levels of police presence in key areas and across Rutland and significant engagement by the Police and RCC with event organisers. Business engagement will continue, I understand why businesses may be closing, but I want them to know they have support and I hope they will feel able to remain open in due course.
The good news is that as of the time of my meeting, no new incidents had been reported since early this morning. However whilst I did not see any incidents while walking around Oakham today, I suspect that sadly there have been further incidents, and I would urge residents to report them.
I am hoping that the individuals who came to Rutland over the weekend who had no intention of joining the event have now left, as I hope have a minority at the event who cause such unacceptable criminality.
The increase in policing is working and will remain in place throughout this week. But there is still too much disruption and I hope this will further reduce.
There is a significant increase in police presence locally. To support our community we now have:
- Additional Police Officers;
- Specialist Road Police Units (experts in handling dangerous driving),
- Drone Unit,
- PCSOs and Swarm Unit, and
- Dog Unit.
The Showground has also arranged additional security and the Council is looking at additional COVID monitors.
I know the last few days have been incredibly difficult for many, especially shop workers and owners especially at Aldi, McDonald’s and M&S. I know how angry many are, and that residents have felt intimidated and been victim to appalling criminality. I share your anger at the abuse of our County and will continue to do what I can to support you, as I have since I was made aware of the event.
If there are any instances of lawbreaking, of any sort, please report them to the police immediately on 101 or ring 999 in an emergency or if an ongoing crime.
Report breaking of COVID Measures here: https://www.police.uk/.../tell-us-about-a-possible.../...
The Police need you to report crimes and breaches, but I hope the significant work by the police, our local council, police and crime commissioner and I will see the remainder of this event take place without further disruption to our community. I will continue to monitor the situation very closely.
