Market Harborough: Property and valuables have been stolen in a spate of break-ins to homes and business premises in the area.

A property in South Kilworth was entered and a large quantity of electrical and household goods was stolen. The thieves gained entry by forcing a ground floor window.

In a similar raid at Claybrooke Magna, high value household goods were stolen after the thieves forced a window. Lawnmowers worth thousands of pounds were stolen from an insecure garage at Bitteswell.

In most of these incidents, the premises that were targeted were left insecure and not protected by alarms. Market Harborough police would urge all homeowners to consider fitting simple, inexpensive alarms.

Most opportunist or petty thieves are likely to move on rather than risk being caught red-handed by anyone investigating an alarm.

For free information on crime reduction, call Market Harborough police on 0116 222 2222.

Welford: The village's Christmas Shoebox Appeal gets under way on Saturday.

Donations of children's toys, small gifts and fancy goods will be welcomed for Welford's annual appeal in aid of Eastern European children in need.

Donations should be small enough to fit into a standard shoebox and should be brought to St Mary's Church, Welford on Saturday, between 10am and 4pm. For more information please call 01858 575683.

Husbands Bosworth: Parish councillors have discussed continuing problems with nuisance parking in Butt Lane.

Vehicles parked inconsiderately at the narrowest part of the road have caused difficulties for passing traffic, especially large vehicles and farm machinery.

In the past, residents have requested that Leicestershire Highways install parking restrictions on some lengths of the road to ease the congestion.

Kegworth: The police report presented to the November meeting of Kegworth Parish Council showed a reduction in the crime levels to 11 recorded crimes for the preceding month, all of a minor nature.

Castle Donington: Castle Donington Museum is holding an exhibition by students of their own collections.

It takes place at the Museum, in 4 Apiary Gate, Castle Donington, on Saturday and Sunday, from 10am to 2pm.

Admission is free but donations are welcome.

Wigston: Central Avenue Christian Church is holding a Christmas Fair on Saturday, November 28 from 10am to 2pm. Stalls will include tombola, homemade cakes and pickles. Santa will visit and proceeds go to Christian Aid and the church building fund.