Thames Valley Police in Milton Keynes is reminding people to secure their vans or remove their tools from their vans, following a spate of thefts in the area.

Since Tuesday 15 June there have been seven thefts of tools from vans across Milton Keynes. The offendersare either forcing entry to the vehicle via a window or door or in some cases they have been targeting insecure vehicles where the victims are working nearby.

Neil Goodridge, Thames Valley Police Crime Reduction Advisor, said: “There has been a series of thefts of tools left in vans overnight.

“For those affected, these tools are the essence of their business and livelihood. The loss to a small business or self-employed individual would have a significantly detrimental effect on them.”

Police are advising van owners to be extra vigilant to ensure they do not become a victim of this kind of crime. They are urging van owners to follow some simple tips to reduce the chances of them becoming victims:

Remove tools from your van overnight

If this is not possible:

Park near to housing and under a light
Park up against a wall, hedges or a garage to restrict access to the back or side of the van.
Fit the van with an audible alarm system and an immobiliser
Fit a cage or metal chest inside and ensure it is securely bolted down with a good quality padlock
Mark your tools to make them identifiable
Use a sign on the outside of the van to warn potential thieves that the van is alarmed and all tools are secured or removed from the van overnight.
Neil continued: “Ask yourself whether the 15 minutes it may take to unload your van at night and to load it again in the morning is really more hassle than the inconvenience of having your tools stolen and being unable to work.

“Is it worth thinking, ‘it won’t happen to me’? You may go months or even years without being targeted, but if you leave your tools in your van everyday, the chances are that at some point they will be stolen.”

For further advice on theft of tools or security of vehicles, contact Neil at Milton Keynes police station via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505 or for further advice visit http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/crprev/crprev-auto.htm