Northamptonshire police patrol county's 'ghost towns' at night on look out for lockdown break-ins
Anyone who is on the streets after dark is challenged. If they have no reason to be out they are told to return home
Police have been carrying out patrols in Northamptonshire's empty towns amid fears empty shops could be targeted by thieves.
Shop owners have shared their fears with police that their unguarded businesses will be targeted during the lockdown.
It comes after the Northampton Hope Centre charity shop was reportedly broken into last month during the quiet.
Northamptonshire Police have been patrolling the county's empty town streets at night on the lookout for commercial break-ins.
Additionally, anyone who is on the streets after dark is challenged. If they have no reason to be out they are told to return home.
Two officers patrolling Northampton are PCs Sean Whelan and Lewis Marks.
PC Whelan told Sky News: "Usually this place [Northampton] on a Friday night is booming with people out drinking and having a good time. Tonight it's a ghost town, it's completely different.
"Potentially it's leaving businesses a bit more vulnerable."