Police to investigate theft of Lib Dem stake-boards

5.53.16pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 18th Jul 2007

Ealing police are to investigate a number of thefts of Liberal Democrat stake-boards from across Ealing Southall. Hundreds of local residents have been displaying Liberal Democrat posters and stake-boards in their gardens and windows backing Nigel Bakhai's campaign.

The Liberal Democrats are concerned that a number of their stake-boards have been taken from people's gardens and have asked the police to investigate.

Liberal Democrat agent Chris Leaman said:

"This is nothing more than theft, plain and simple. Hundreds of local residents are backing Nigel's campaign in Ealing Southall by displaying a stake-board in their garden or a poster in their window.

"It is obvious to everyone that the Liberal Democrats are the main challengers to Labour as people will see from our display of posters across Ealing Southall.

"Clearly somebody is so worried about the Liberal Democrats that they are taking our stake-boards."

Local Liberal Democrat campaigner Nigel Bakhai said:

"Our advice to local people is that if they see anybody taking down a stake-board they should call the police immediately.

"If local residents would like a new or replacement poster or stake-board they should contact me on 020 8574 8826."