Van owners to be extra vigilant after spate of thefts

Police in North and West Devon are warning van owners to be extra vigilant following a spate of van thefts in North Devon.

Over the last few weeks there have been several thefts of tools and other trade equipment which have been left in vans. Officers are advising the public not to leave their tools and equipment for prolonged periods in their vans, especially overnight.

The first incident occurred between Sunday 3 December at 10.30am and 8am on Monday 4 December 2017. The incident took place on North Street in Braunton.

Thieves got into the van and stole several tools including an angle grinder and metal work tools amounting to around £1,500. [CR/105789/17]

The second incident happened on Boutport Street in Barnstaple between 8.30am and 9am on Monday 4 December.

An offender, believed to be male, removed tools from the victim’s van whilst it was unattended. Power drills, audio equipment, and a disc-cutter were taken. [CR/105325/17]

The third incident occurred between 5pm on Tuesday 5 December and 7.30am on Wednesday 6 December.

The theft occurred from a van which was parked on Victoria Street in Newport, Barnstaple. The van was parked overnight and power tools amounting to around £1,000 were stolen. [CR/105855/17]

Police recommend where possible items are removed. Should residents notice any person paying particular attention to vans or other traders vehicles, please do not hesitate to call the police.

They would also like to hear from anyone who has been offered the items for sale or knows of anybody who has suddenly acquired a large number of tools.

Please email 101@dc,police.uk or phone 101, quoting crime reference CR/105325/17.

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers via www.crimestoppers-uk.org