This is Leicestershire -- Police have urged traders to remove tools from their vehicles after spate of 60 thefts in the past few weeks. The thefts, all since the beginning of the month, have happened outside the victims' homes or in car parks. Police say they are patrolling hotspots to head off the thieves and that the crime has been a "concern" throughout the year. However, the crime has surged in the past few weeks. Officers are urging people to take simple security measures to protect their property, chiefly by removing all tools and equipment when they park their vehicles at night. Where that is not possible, they are urging people to park in well-lit areas which are also covered by CCTV cameras. Officers also advise people to reverse their vehicle up to a wall or tall hedge so thieves do not have access to the back doors. Security marking tools with a UV pen can also help officers return recovered stolen property to the owners. Superintendent Neil Castle said: "We continually advise people to protect their vehicles from crime, but this increase in thefts shows that people aren't heeding our advice. "We're doing all we can, but we also need your help too. "These tools are essential for people to carry out their jobs, and without them their livelihood can be affected. "We urge anyone with information in relation to these thefts, or anyone who is offered cheap power tools, to contact Leicestershire Police or Crimestoppers." Contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.
Reported by This is 10 hours ago.
This is Leicestershire -- Police have urged traders to remove tools from their vehicles after spate of 60 thefts in the past few weeks. The thefts, all since the beginning of the month, have happened outside the victims' homes or in car parks. Police say they are patrolling hotspots to head off the thieves and that the crime has been a "concern" throughout the year. However, the crime has surged in the past few weeks. Officers are urging people to take simple security measures to protect their property, chiefly by removing all tools and equipment when they park their vehicles at night. Where that is not possible, they are urging people to park in well-lit areas which are also covered by CCTV cameras. Officers also advise people to reverse their vehicle up to a wall or tall hedge so thieves do not have access to the back doors. Security marking tools with a UV pen can also help officers return recovered stolen property to the owners. Superintendent Neil Castle said: "We continually advise people to protect their vehicles from crime, but this increase in thefts shows that people aren't heeding our advice. "We're doing all we can, but we also need your help too. "These tools are essential for people to carry out their jobs, and without them their livelihood can be affected. "We urge anyone with information in relation to these thefts, or anyone who is offered cheap power tools, to contact Leicestershire Police or Crimestoppers." Contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.
Reported by This is 10 hours ago.