Van Owners Warned After Spate Of Tool Thefts

Tradespeople in and around Market Harborough are being warned about a spate of tool thefts from vans across Leicestershire.

Police say 25 were broken into in the first two weeks of December, following 68 thefts in November and 49 in October.

Officers urging owners to ensure vans are locked at all times, to park them close to another vehicle to prevent access to doors and remove tools if possible overnight.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Sinski said: “It takes seconds to steal a vehicle or tools inside which can be worth thousands of pounds. Never leave your keys in the ignition or the doors unlocked while you’re away because replacing these items can be costly and the business lost substantial.

“There are steps van owners can take to help prevent themselves from becoming victims of this crime. We would always advise security marking any tools. If in the unfortunate event they are stolen this will make them much easier to trace. When possible, remove all valuables from your vehicle.

“I’d encourage everyone to follow the tips we’ve outlined above and if they see any suspicious activity, to report it immediately by calling 101 in a non-emergency. Always call 999 in an emergency.”