Police are warning owners and operators of plant vehicles - including telehandlers - to ensure their vehicles remain secure overnight.

Detectives are continuing to investigate two recent incidents in Desford - just 15 miles from Oakham - and Scraptoft, where plant vehicles have been stolen and used to try and break into ATMs.

Both vehicles taken were made by Merlo.

Officers are now urging users of plant machinery to protect their vehicles overnight in a bid to prevent further incidents.

This can include parking them in well-lit areas overnight, or places that would make it difficult for an offender to move the vehicle.

Police are also asking any members of the public who notice plant vehicles being driven outside usual working hours - such as late at night or in the early hours of the morning - to report any suspicious activity as soon as possible.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Baker, from Leicestershire Police's Complex crime team, said: "If plant vehicles and telehandlers are being left on a building site or in a lockup overnight, there are steps that owners can take.

"If it's possible for the vehicle to be parked behind others, so that it's obstructed and cannot be driven off without those vehicles being removed, then I'd encourage owners to do so.

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"Likewise, I'd also ask owners and operators to park their vehicles in locked, well-lit areas, which could act as a deterrent to any potential thieves.

"I would also encourage owners to install CCTV cameras if at all possible."