Calls For Streetlights To Be Switched Back On Overnight

Calls are being made for streetlights to be switched back on overnight on estates in Market Harborough and surrounding villages, as thieves continue to target vans.

Victims who have seen tools and other items stolen have told Hfm there is more chance of the criminals being noticed if lights were on during the early hours.

A decision was taken five years ago to switch off lights, apart from at key junctions, on estates, to save money.

Harborough Councillor Phil Knowles wants that to be reviewed, in light of 15 vans being targetted in the past two weeks, in Market Harborough, Kibworth, Lubenham and Theddingworth.

A spokesperson for Leicestershire County Council said: “We work in close collaboration with the police to ensure that part-night lighting is effective for communities across the county.

“While there is no evidence in Leicestershire to indicate that lights that are turned off overnight cause an increase in the crime rate, we review each request on an individual basis to assess if changes need to be made, and, where needed, put these in place.”