Melton motorists urged to tighten up security after rise in thefts from cars and vans

Between February and April this year there was an 18.7 per cent increase in the number of thefts, amounting to an additional 78 offences.

Sergeant Andy Cooper, of Leicestershire Police, said: “We’ve seen an increase in all types of thefts from vehicles across the force area. Thieves are using force to smash windows or locks and steal relatively low value items such as sunglasses and sat navs. Unfortunately, the cost to the victim usually far outweighs the value of the stolen belongings.

“We are advising vehicle owners not to leave anything on display and to take belongings with them rather than leaving them in cars.”

The force has also seen a rise in thefts of catalytic convertors and number plates.

For crime prevention advice visit https://leics.police.uk/advice-and-information/crime-prevention/vehicle-crime