The police are urging builders and trades people not to leave valuable equipment and tools in their vans overnight after a recent spate of thefts.

In the last two weeks, 15 vans have been broken into across the Loughborough, Charnwood and North West Leicestershire policing areas. All the vehicles have been broken into during the night and electrical equipment and tools have been stolen. The thieves have broken in by breaking the door locks or cutting through the rubber around the rear windows, to avoid making any noise.

Responses to policing consultation show widespread support for cutting police red tape.
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said, ‘On visits up and down the country I have seen first hand the positive impact of neighbourhood policing and the growing involvement of communities in the fight against crime.'

She added, ‘The public are our strongest weapon in tackling crime and I passionately believe that empowering them to get a good deal through the policing pledge will play a powerful role in driving up the quality of policing for our citizens and in our communities.’

The Neighbourhood and Home Watch Network (NHWN) was launched across the nation with a brief to keep an eye on crime and crime fighting on our home front.

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