Insp Neal Holland has temporarily taken the reins for at least six months to cover for Insp Siobhan Barber while she is on maternity leave.

Although his stay in the district is only temporary, Insp Holland said he is keen to make a dent on vehicle crime statistics in his new role.

He said: “The situation is very good at the moment in that overall we have had 240 fewer offences reported so far this year in comparison to last.

“The one fly in the ointment is vehicle crime, which is a little higher than last year, but this reflects a national trend.

“We have been given a £2,000 grant by the Harborough Community Safety Partnership which we will be using to fight vehicle crime over and above our usual policing.”

Although he hails from Leicestershire, and is a former pupil of the old Lutterworth Grammar School, Insp Holland began his career in 1988 when he joined the Metropolitan Police.

In 1993 he joined Leicestershire Constabulary and was based at Charles Street police station in Leicester.

He has also worked as a sergeant at stations in Braunstone and Beaumont Leys before being promoted to inspector this year and, prior to his current role, was the operational command inspector for the south area – which includes Harborough and Lutterworth.

He said: “The changes I’ve seen in policing in the last 20 years, in terms of technology, have been incredible.”