Eight works vans broken into in ONE night in Thrapston

Tradesmen in East Northamptonshire are being urged to be vigilant after thieves targeted tools left inside vehicles.

Police officers have issued the warning following a spate of power tool thefts in Thrapston.

Eight vans were broken into on Thursday, February 27, and Friday, February 28, and tradesmen are being asked to remove tools from vehicles overnight wherever possible.

It is believed the thieves are using a light coloured Land Rover Discovery to drive to the area and officers would like to hear from anyone who may have seen this vehicle acting suspiciously in the area.

Officers would also like to hear from any members of the public to get in touch if they are offered power tools in suspicious circumstances.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, or if you believe a crime is in progress, always call 999. Or alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Police have offered some advice to people to help secure their property:

• It might sound obvious, but make sure you lock the doors and shut the windows whenever you leave your van unattended.

• Never leave any valuables visible - keep ALL possessions out of sight. Even if you know there is nothing valuable in your jacket pocket or file left on the seat, a thief may try their luck.

• Remove tools from your van when left overnight and be vigilant when unloading.

• If removal of tools is not possible, fit a tool safe and ensure it is fully secured with good quality locks. Set an alarm or immobiliser.

• Consider parking your van close to a hedge or wall in order to restrict access for anyone trying to get inside.

• Engrave or mark tools and their boxes with your postcode and house number or mark all tools with a forensic property marking solution.

• If you park on your driveway consider installing motion-activated CCTV