Statement on the Christian Light and Life event

Statement on the Christian Light and Life event taking place near Market Harborough

I have been contacted by a number of councillors, members of the public and business owners in relation to this event. I have spoken to senior police officers as well as the local beat team about preparations being made.

It is important to point out that this is a private event and it is not the police’s role to provide security around such an event. However, due to the increase in numbers of people in the local area the force has been working to support the organisers and the local authority. Whilst the event is taking place, police will be carrying out increased routine patrols. 

The Police have engaged as a stakeholder, alongside other agencies, with the local Harborough District Council, who are the lead agency on the Safety Advisory Group in regard the planning and response to the private religious event.

To reassure the public about actions that have been taken here are some key points:

• Police have received a number of enquiries in relation to an annual Christian convention starting this weekend at the showground in Market Harborough. 
• Police are aware of the event and an appropriate policing plan is in place due to the large increase of people in the area.
• Officers have been in discussion with the venue and local partner agencies for some time and remain in close contact with them.
• The police beat team has been out engaging with the local community and will continue to do this throughout the week.
• There is a carefully planned proportionate response to the increase in footprint in the area and officers have been liaising with the event organisers. It is not the police’s role to provide security around a private event, although the force will respond robustly to any reports of increased anti-social behaviour or crimes and has put additional patrols in place to ensure the public feels reassured by the police presence.

Police are asking the public to consider using the website before calling 101  - the simple message to the public and our partners is – if it’s not an emergency, please click before you call.

Thank you

Rupert Matthews

Police and Crime Commissioner

Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland