The latest incident happened last Wednesday when thieves attempted to steal 28-year-old James' van, which is vital to the landscaping and bricklaying business he is just starting to establish.

Joanne, 35, said: "You can cope when it's your car but when it's your business it's different and it's the knock-on effect these things have.

"I'm six months' pregnant so we could really do without it - we can't afford to be spending any money.

"It really is a nightmare."

Joanne said she and her husband never leave anything in their vehicles that may attract thieves and James leaves his tools with his grandfather, but because the car park is very badly lit and surrounded by shrubs it is a crime hot spot.

She said: "That particular area of the car park isn't lit and I get frightened sometimes if I come home late because you don't know who's lurking in the bushes.

"It really is frightening when things like this keep happening - if they're stealing cars they wouldn't think twice about taking your keys or handbag."

The couple and their neighbours were in discussions with Congleton Borough Council about installing better lighting last year, but nothing has been done so far.

PC Mike Senior, from Middlewich CAT team, said: "It is a council issue to have foliage cut back to increase visibility and to replace lighting if it breaks - it's along a main road so anyone passing would see into the car park.

"We would also advise people to be neighbourly and look out for each other's cars and property.

"We will make our response teams aware of potential hot spot areas of criminal activity so we can provide a visible presence."