Police in the West End area of Leicester are hoping to crack down on car theft by offering residents free stop locks.

Owners of vehicles registered 'M' or older are eligible for the anti-theft devices.

They will be available at Hinckley Road police station.

Officers have said older cars are particularly vulnerable.

Upsetting crime

Lisa Wood, community co-ordinator for Hinckley Road local policing unit said: "Criminals are exploiting the fact that older cars have lower levels of security than their modern counterparts.

"We are therefore targeting this particular group of vehicles and giving away stop locks, completely free of charge.

"In addition, car parks will be receiving posters, advertising motorists to take all valuable items and possessions out of their vehicles to raise the profile of this upsetting and very inconvenient crime."