Campaign to stop lay-by thefts

Truckers must be vigilant to protect their lorries from thieves, Leicestershire police have said.

An articulated lorry carrying a large crime prevention warning will be parked in Bardon lay-by, Coalville, to remind drivers to park securely.

The police force is working with TruckPol - a national intelligence unit specialising in road freight crime - to try to reduce thefts from vehicles.

Criminals who steal lorry loads cost the UK economy about £250m per year.

Police said thefts from the back of lorries took place when drivers were unaware, often asleep in their cabs.

Sgt Simon Greensmith from Leicestershire Constabulary said: "We want to warn drivers that they should park safely and take as many security precautions as possible especially when parking in lay-bys over night."