Community First, Oakham & Barleythorpe Police Update for April 2026
As we embrace the arrival of spring, the Oakham & Barleythorpe Dedicated Neighbourhood Team remains committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all residents. This month, their operations have been driven directly by your feedback. Through community consultations, surveys, and a careful analysis of local crime trends, they have streamlined our efforts to tackle the issues that matter most to you.
Their strategy for April was built upon three core pillars: curbing anti-social behaviour, enhancing road safety, and disrupting local drug activity. Here is an overview of how your local officers, including PC Hughes and PCSO Lauren, have been working to meet these goals.
A primary concern raised by the community was the rise of Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) in specific hotspots. In response, the team has maintained a high-visibility presence throughout the month. By conducting foot patrols and engaging directly with both residents and business owners, officers have been able to issue immediate advice and warnings to those involved in disruptive activity. This "boots on the ground" approach is designed not only to deter offenders but to provide much-needed reassurance to the public.
Parallel to these efforts, Road Safety has taken center stage. We heard your concerns regarding the lack of adherence to 30mph zones across Oakham and Barleythorpe. Throughout April, PC Hughes and the team have been actively monitoring speeds in identified key areas. These patrols serve as a dual-purpose tool: they allow us to deal robustly with poor driving standards while offering a proactive deterrent against speeding.
Addressing the reports of drug dealing and consumption remains a critical focus for the team. This month, PC Hughes and PCSO Lauren utilized stop-and-search powers during varied patrol shifts across town. These efforts resulted in two drug-related offences being processed. While numbers can fluctuate, the consistent pressure applied by the team ensures that those seeking to bring illegal substances into our community find it an increasingly difficult environment in which to operate.
As the weather warms, they often see a natural increase in outdoor activity. While they want our young people to enjoy the local area, they anticipate a potential seasonal rise in ASB. They are calling on parents and guardians to play an active role by discussing the impact of anti-social behaviour with their children. Respectful community engagement is a collective responsibility, and prevention starts with these vital conversations at home.
Your input is the lifeblood of effective local policing. You are invited to join the police for their upcoming Beat Surgery to discuss your concerns or simply to meet the officers serving your neighborhood:
Date: 28.05.2026
Location: Oakham Library
Purpose: A dedicated space to report concerns and get updates on local policing activity.
If you witness anti-social behaviour in the meantime, please do not hesitate to report it via the
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