'It has been hard work but the support we have received in return has been wonderful' - column by police inspector in Harborough

Inspector Siobhán Gorman (NPA Commander for Harborough and Wigston)

The past few weeks have certainly been an unusual and challenging time for both myself, my team and for the community.

But, for me personally, it has also highlighted the kindness of people in Harborough, the community spirit in the area and the way we all work together to support each other.

While the streets remain quiet, for our officers everyday policing is continuing as they work tirelessly to protect the community, ensure the safety of residents and to listen to your thoughts and concerns.

And the support which we have had in return while doing this has been absolutely wonderful to see.

From local businesses supplying us with food and drink – while correctly practising social distancing – to the many messages of support we have received, to the residents who are simply following Government guidelines by staying at home; this has all helped us massively as we carry out our job and our duty. My thanks go to each and every one of you who has helped us in any way and to the officers for their dedication and the excellent work which they have been carrying out.

I know that for many of you, life is very different during these unprecedented times and I appreciate many of you will have concerns about family, friends, your own physical and mental health, your work and your finances among many other things. But, as the message being provided to us all states, staying home saves lives!

This is a challenge which we can overcome by continuing to work together as we are doing, by following Government guidelines and by supporting each other. Please continue to use your common sense and only leave home for essential shopping, for any medical needs, for exercise once a day and for travelling to and from work if absolutely necessary.

Meanwhile we will continue to engage with you, to explain our work to you and to encourage your co-operation with us. Working as a team, we will continue to be there to help you and to take action when it is needed.

Please stay in touch with us and continue to work with us. If you have social media, you can also find many updates from myself and my team on our Facebook page ‘Market Harborough Police’ and on our Twitter pages @LPHarborough and @HarbWigstonNPA. Updates and messages from the force can also be found on the Leicestershire Police website https://www.leics.police.uk/Thank you once again for all of your support and co-operation so far and I look forward to our continued working together.