Leicestershire Police Reflect on a Landmark Year: 2024 in Force
Rob Nixon (left) Chief Constable Leicestershire Police
As we close the chapter on 2024, Leicestershire Police took a moment to reflect on a year marked by significant developments, challenges, and achievements. The landscape of policing has evolved quickly, necessitating a delicate balance between emerging crime trends and increasing public expectations. Yet, their unwavering goal remains: to ensure the safety and security of the communities they serve across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland.
A Year in Numbers
Throughout the year, the sheer volume of calls and reports underscores the vital role the police play in our communities. Leicestershire Police received over 190,000 urgent 999 calls and more than 275,000 non-urgent calls to 101. The online reporting platform also saw engagement soar, with over 50,000 reports filed. Their officers handled an extensive workload that included over 4,300 missing person reports, creating nearly 260,000 incidents, and recording close to 93,000 crimes, culminating in approximately 15,000 arrests. Additionally, the media's role in community engagement has been underscored, with officers responding to over 2,100 media inquiries.
Chief Constable Rob Nixon remarked, "These numbers reflect the lives we touch, protect, and serve every single day." He further highlighted the importance of adaptability within the force, citing a year of significant organizational change where many stepped into leadership roles, affirming that the dedication of our officers and staff has been crucial for maintaining resilience and performance.
Notable Moments of 2024
The year was not without its impactful moments, each showcasing the commitment of Leicestershire Police to uphold community values and enhance safety:
January: The force gained national attention through the ITV documentary "TikTok: Murder Gone Viral," portraying the investigation into the tragic murders of Saqib Hussain and Mohammed Hashim Ijazuddin. The investigation led to the conviction of four individuals for murder.
February: Leicestershire Police supported the national Stop, Think Fraud campaign, focusing on educating the public about financial safety.
March: In a move to enhance community relations, a new neighbourhood police office opened in Lutterworth, ensuring that officers remain accessible to those they serve.
April: The #HelpUsHelpYou campaign implemented changes that significantly reduced call waiting times, improving accessibility for those needing police assistance.
June: Through the Safer Saffron campaign, the police tackled serious crime in the Saffron Lane Estate, resulting in 94 arrests linked to Operation Guarding, which focused on combating online child abuse.
October: A partnership with Turning Point introduced Street Outreach workers, contributing to a remarkable 39% reduction in violent crime and antisocial behavior in the city center.
December: The ongoing efforts to address violence in nightlife were renewed with the relaunch of the Walk Away campaign, just in time for the festive season.
Looking Ahead with Optimism
As we step into 2025, Chief Constable Nixon is filled with confidence. “Through collaboration and innovation, we will continue to deliver an outstanding service,” he said. The support and teamwork from our officers, staff, volunteers, and the community have been the pillars of our success, helping us to face challenges and ensure that everyone in our community feels safe and supported.
In short, 2024 was a year of incredible experiences, growth, and teamwork. We're incredibly grateful for the trust you place in us and excited about what lies ahead! Together, we can keep our communities thriving and safe, and we look forward to serving you in the year to come!
