Vigilant Policing Leads to Arrest at Oakham B&M Bargains

Vigilant Policing Leads to Arrest at Oakham B&M Bargains

A routine patrol turned into a successful apprehension on Saturday, January 3, 2026, as the Rutland Safer Streets Team caught a known offender red-handed at the B&M Bargains store in Oakham.

The incident highlights the importance of officer intuition and the strong partnership between local law enforcement and retail staff.

The encounter began when PC Rob and PC Dave spotted a male while entering Oakham. The officers immediately recognised the individual from Melton Mowbray. Because the man was not known to frequent the Oakham area, his presence raised immediate red flags for the team.

Following their instincts, the officers observed the male heading toward the B&M store. Upon arrival at the premises, store staff confirmed the officers' suspicions, reporting that the individual was inside the store actively filling a bag with various electronic goods.

The Safer Streets Team moved quickly to secure the scene. PC Dave took up a tactical position outside the main entrance, waiting for the suspect to exit.

"The male was certainly not expecting the first person he would see upon leaving with a bag full of unpaid items to be a police officer," the team noted in a statement.

The suspect was intercepted and arrested on the spot. All stolen electronics were recovered and returned to the store immediately.

The individual has since been identified as Myles CARTER. Following his arrest, Myles Carter was officially charged in relation to the thefts.

This arrest serves as a firm reminder of the ongoing efforts by the Safer Streets Team to deter retail crime and keep Oakham’s shopping districts safe for both businesses and residents.

Burst Pipe Causes Temporary Closure of Snapdragon Mill Street Oakham

Burst Pipe Causes Temporary Closure of Snapdragon Mill Street Oakham

Snapdragon, has announced an emergency closure following a significant plumbing failure that has left the premises severely damaged.

The disaster unfolded when pipes burst in the offices located directly above the shop. Staff arrived to find a "river" flowing through the center of the building. Despite a quick response to locate and turn off the main stopcock, the sheer volume of water had already compromised the structure.

While the initial flood has been mopped up, the aftermath remains critical The upstairs offices have sustained serious impact, and the downstairs ceilings were still dripping late into the day. In a particularly dangerous turn, water was found pouring through light fittings and electrical sockets. For safety reasons, the electricity has been cut off entirely, leaving the building temporarily uninhabitable.

Snapdragon is currently waiting on a formal assessment. A professional assessor is scheduled to visit tomorrow to determine the full scope of the repairs needed and to provide an estimated timeline for reopening.

"It’s a complete disaster," Snapdragon shared, though they expressed gratitude for the quick action taken to mitigate further water damage once the leak was discovered.

Snapdragon will remain closed until further notice. They promised to provide a follow-up update as soon as the assessor provides their report.

www.facebook.com/snapdragonoakham

"Complex" Burst Water Main Leaves Langham and Oakham Without Supply

"Complex" Burst Water Main Leaves Langham and Oakham Without Supply

Residents in Langham and the surrounding Oakham area are facing a second day of major water disruption following a significant burst pipe on Melton Road.

The issue was first reported in the early hours of Tuesday, 6 January, affecting homes across the LE15 postcode. Engineers from Severn Trent Water arrived on-site shortly after to begin emergency repairs on a main located on Melton Road.

While initial estimates suggested that the water would be flowing again by mid-afternoon yesterday, the utility company has since confirmed that the situation is more serious than first thought. In an update issued at 6:29 AM this morning, a spokesperson admitted that teams "found the repair to be a lot more complex than first anticipated."

The burst has left hundreds of households in Langham grappling with no running water since Tuesday morning.

Those who still have a supply are reporting a "trickle" that is insufficient for showers or household appliances.

Residents have been warned that when the water does return, it may appear brown or orange due to disturbed sediment in the pipes.

Severn Trent has issued a formal apology for the ongoing inconvenience, stating that teams are working "around the clock" to resolve the issue.

With the repair entering its second day, residents are being advised to take precautions:

Do not use dishwashers or washing machines until the supply is fully restored and clear.

For those on the Priority Services Register, Severn Trent is coordinating alternative water deliveries where necessary.

Melton Road remains partially restricted to allow heavy machinery to access the burst site, leading to minor delays for commuters heading in and out of Oakham.

The water company is expected to provide a further update later today. Under industry regulations, if the supply is not restored within a set timeframe, affected customers may be entitled to automatic compensation.

Leicestershire and Rutland Police Officer Charged with Rape and Sexual Assault

Leicestershire and Rutland Police Officer Charged with Rape and Sexual Assault

A serving police constable with the Leicestershire Police force has been formally charged with multiple sexual offenses, including rape.

The charges against Stephen Reynolds, 28, follow an investigation into incidents reported to have occurred several years ago. Stephen Reynolds is now facing legal proceedings as the case moves toward a preliminary court hearing.

The charges filed against Stephen Reynolds include:

Two counts of rape.

One count of assault by penetration.

The allegations involve a single adult female victim who was reportedly known to Stephen Reynolds. The incidents are said to have taken place in 2019, prior to the current legal action.

Leicestershire Police have confirmed that Stephen Reynolds is currently suspended from duty pending the outcome of the legal proceedings. While he remains on police bail for the moment, he is scheduled to appear at Northampton Magistrates’ Court tomorrow, Wednesday, January 7, 2026.

The force has not provided further comment on the specifics of the investigation, as is standard practice while a case is active before the courts.