Harborough's top police officer talks about her first year in charge - and how to stay safe this Christmas

Insp Siobhan Gorman, 42, spoke to the Harborough Mail as she marks a hectic year commanding the county’s sprawling eastern patch.

And the Market Harborough-based workaholic high-flyer said she was loving every minute as she looks forward to 2020.

“I’ve been here for 14 months now and I’m really enjoying it.

“I cover a huge area stretching out from Harborough to Melton Mowbray, Oakham and Lutterworth.

“I’ve carried out a number of roles within the force since I joined 17 years ago,” said Insp Gorman.

“I was a neighbourhood officer on St Matthews estate in Leicester, a sergeant in Braunstone and worked in the city centre.

“So it’s been a whole new challenge coming out here to run a much more remote, rural, far-flung patch.

“But I love the hands-on, problem-solving every day drama.

“Finding out what the needs are of people here and doing our best for them is very important to me.”

Asked about how many officers are based locally, the popular mum-of-two didn’t want to be pinned down.

But the Leicester City fan insisted: “We have a dedicated neighbourhood-focused team here in Market Harborough.

“They are proud to work here and help protect the fantastic communities we have in our towns as well as out in the country.

“We are also supported round the clock by a highly-mobile 24-hour team liaising with specialist units such as dogs and firearms.

“This is a relatively low-crime part of the county and is a far more affluent area.

“But we still have burglaries, we have specific rural crime and we are doing all we can to combat that.”

Insp Gorman urged the people of Harborough, Lutterworth and surrounding villages to always put safety and security first.

“We cannot do this alone.

“My message to everyone out there is – look after yourselves and look after your families.

“Make sure you are safe and secure, both when you are out and about and when you are at home,” said the keen runner and fitness enthusiast.

“For example – keep your handbags, purses and wallets under wraps and out of sight when you’re Christmas shopping.

“Spend a few bob this Christmas making your home more secure – buy a burglar alarm to help deter criminals.”

Insp Gorman, who lives “just off her patch”, is also urging school-leavers, graduates and workers fancying a dramatic change to join the boys and girls in blue.

“The police offers you a fantastic job – and you can carve out an incredible career.

“You’ll learn so many useful, different skills.

“You will need to have a sense of humour, the ability to communicate and be flexible and responsive,” said the yoga lover, whose husband is also a police officer in Leicestershire.

“Your mouth is your most important tool and will serve you well in all types of situations.

“No two days are the same – it’s totally unpredictable.

“I’m playing a part in the force’s recruitment drive and I’m a mentor so I’m very hot on this.

“The police is a great job for women as well as for men.

“I manage to juggle being an officer with having two children and there’s a lot more flexible working in the force now.

“So if you’re keen to join us but you’ve got any doubt – then don’t delay check us out today!

Insp Gorman vowed they would be launching new high-profile campaigns and crackdowns in the New Year as they fight new criminal threats across Harborough district.

“So rest assured – with your help we’ll all be working as hard as ever to keep you safe and well over Christmas, New Year and into 2020,” she declared.

If you would like to find out more about joining the police, crime prevention or many other issues visit Leicestershire Police website:

https://www.leics.police.uk/