Surveying equipment stolen in North West Leicestershire

Police investigating surveying equipment stolen in Whitwick are linking the incident to a further theft in Coalville where similar equipment was taken.

A spokesperson from Leicestershire police said:  "At around 2.45pm on Thursday 23 July, a silver Audi A4 drove along Linden Way in Coalville before the passenger leaned out of the window and grabbed the Leica TS16 on a yellow tri-pod stand which was positioned at the side of the road before pulling it onto the window.

"The previous incident happened at around 12.30pm on Monday 13th July on Hermitage Road near to the junction with the A511 when a white transit van pulled up and it is reported that three men got out of the vehicle and approached two men working at the scene.

"The suspects used an electric saw to break through a cable securing the surveying equipment to a lamppost. They dragged the equipment into the van before driving away from the scene in the direction of the A511. One of the suspects used a metal pipe to threaten the workmen – no injuries have been reported.

"The same equipment was stolen along with a red storage box.

"Officers believe given the similarities between the two incidents, they are linked."

A 29-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and theft and has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

PC 2968 Chantrill is investigating. He said: “There are number of similarities between these two incidents which is believe that they may have been committed by the same offenders.

“I would like to speak to anyone who may have information about these incidents, in particular anyone who may have been this Audi or captured it in dashcam or anyone who may know anything about this stolen property

“The combined value of this property taken is of a significant value and substantial loss to the owners so it’s important we locate this property with the hope to return it.”