The plight of crime victims is being highlighted by the Leicester Mercury as an issue that could swing voters in the forthcoming General Election.

It is running a campaign – Let’s think about the Victims in conjunction with Victim Support – and is asking top politicians: “What can you do?”

Home Secretary Jack Straw, Shadow Home Secretary Ann Widdecombe and Lib Dem Home Affairs Spokesman Simon Hughes, will all be on the receiving end of questions from the paper.

The Mercury sprang into action when three letters from crime victims arrived at its offices on the same day.

One was from an elderly woman, trying to enjoy her retirement, who was targeted 14 times by thieves; another from a young man on a night out who was scarred for life in an attack; and the third, from an elderly woman who had her world turned upside down by burglars.

The Mercury, in its letter to the politicians, said: “All of you will soon be fighting a General Election, putting forward your policies to an increasingly cynical electorate.

“Law and order will be a key issue.

“Today we seek your views on these ordinary people and the thousands like them across the country – and on how you will help them and deal with those who cause such misery if you are elected.

“It is an issue which strikes at the heart of ordinary people. It is of major public concern. It is one which you have been selected to act upon.”

The paper published extracts of the victims’ letters on the front page and reproduced full versions inside.

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