Estates targeted by burglars over the past few weeks will have police resources diverted to them, a Leicestershire police spokesman said.

Uniformed and plain clothes police will patrol at "irregular times" throughout the day to deter burglars.

Mowmacre Hill, Stocking Farm, Westcotes, New Parks, Stoneygate and Knighton are among the areas targeted.

Warning leaflets

Detective Inspector Shaun Orton said: "We have responded by diverting more of our resources into these areas to prevent offences and arrest those responsible.

"Our best chance of arresting suspects is when people call us if they see someone preparing to break in. One such call last week led directly to the arrest of two men. Both have since been charged with the offence."

Officers are also distributing leaflets with the message: "Your house was found insecure. Fortunately for you it was a police officer who visited.