Tracking devices and cameras will be placed in cars

Officers are parking vehicles with tracking devices and hidden cameras in Oadby and Wigston.

Police say the zone where the Rat Trap scheme is carried out is clearly marked with brightly coloured signs.

Inspector Martin Halse, from Wigston police, said: "We are not enticing people to break into the cars."

Rising thefts

But he added: "Like anyone we are perfectly entitled to park a car and not expect it to be subject to this type of crime.

"If people do commit car crime, potentially they will be breaking into a vehicle that has been fitted with a tracking device. They may not be arrested at the time, but might well get a knock on the door later on."

Police are not saying how many vehicles will be used, or what types.

The Rat Trap scheme is a reaction to a rise in thefts from vehicles across the borough.

Emma Robinson, community initiatives co-ordinator at Wigston police, said: "It is amazing how many people will leave mobile phones, wallets and even laptops on display as an invitation to the opportunist thief."