Warning after raiders target vans parked at hotels in failed tool thefts

VANS parked at hotels across Staffordshire have been targeted by raiders during a night-time crime spree.

On Monday, October 4 and Tuesday, October 5, vans parked at Travelodge hotels in Needwood and Tamworth, as well as Premier Inn hotels in Burton, Stoke-on-trent, Uttoxeter and Tamworth were targeted. The raiders caused damage to the vehicles but did not get inside to steal tools, police said.

The incidents all happened between 8am and 3am on Monday and Tuesday and police believe the same criminals were to blame and they had travelled across “multiple districts in one night” to carry out the raids. The thieves were armed with tools used for cutting holes in vans in a bid to force entry, Staffordshire Police has said.

The van drivers all got up to find damage to their vehicles, police said.

Now motorists across the county are being warned to make sure their vehicles and contents are secure following the attempted tool thefts.

Detective Constable Daniel Trupp, part of the priorities team within CID at Staffordshire Police, said: “We are asking van owners to be vigilant and also consider their vehicle’s security to mitigate the chances of them falling victim to crime.

“Steps they can take include removing tools from their vans but where this is not possible marking them clearly with their name using paint pens and sealing that with a clear lacquer spray. I would also suggest using a lockable cabinet and small cameras can also be installed inside vans.

“I would also suggest taking photographs of items of value and noting down their serial numbers. They can also be registered online at a property register site.”