Police advise on how to protect vehicles after a spate of thefts

FEARS OF A GROWING TREND AS OFFICERS INVESTIGATE 25 CRIMES AT START OF MONTH

THIEVES are always on the lookout for soft targets where they can easily get their hands on expensive loot that is easy to sell on.

That’s why vans are often high on their hit list – on the off-chance they can get their hands on items such as cordless drills, angle grinders, tool kits and other valuable gear.

Owners are being warned of a spate of recent breakins and thefts from addresses across the city and county, with Leicestershire Police reminding tradesmen and DIYers alike to make sure vehicles and their contents are secured at all times.

The force has revealed it is investigating 25 thefts from vans in the first two weeks of this month, something officers fear is a growing trend.

If follows 68 such crimes recorded for November – a dramatic rise on the 49 reported in October.

Police said a vast majority of the crimes were committed at residential addresses, with a small number of vans also targeted in hotel and store car parks.

In an attempt to stem the tide, the force has issued some crime prevention tips for van drivers and owners to avoid joining the latest statistics.

A police spokesman said: “Tools are extremely valuable possessions and, when stolen, can impact hugely on businesses. “That why we would like to remind all van owners to remove their tools from the vehicle when it is left unattended for long periods of time and overnight.” Detective Chief Inspector Mark Sinski, from the Leicestershire force’s Intelligence Bureau, said a few simple measures go a long way to detering thieves.

“It takes seconds to steal a vehicle or tools inside which can be worth thousands of pounds,” he said. “Never leave your keys in the ignition

Don’t assume your van has locked using a key fob lock. Criminals have devices which block the signal

Police

or the doors unlocked while you’re away because replacing these items can be costly and the business lost substantial.”

He added: “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.”

Det Ch Insp Sinski and his team say:

■ Don’t assume your vehicle has locked properly using a key fob lock. Criminals can use devices which block the signal. Always check your doors are locked before leaving your vehicle unattended – if you have a keyless van invest in a signal blocker.

■ If you have a garage, use it. If your van is parked on a driveway, consider installing security lighting. If neither of these apply, try to park in

well-lit areas and close to other vehicles.

■ Consider alarming the vehicle or fitting an internal security cage when tools and equipment are not being used, and ensure they are kept securely in a lockable store rather than in your vehicle. ■ Think about installing CCTV, this acts as a deterrent for opportunistic thieves. ■ Consider whether the storage area can be alarmed. If the equipment is portable, take it with you.

■ If you are staying in a hotel, where possible remove your tools from your van and keep them in your room overnight.

■ Don’t leave tools in vehicles unattended or overnight. Place a sign in the window stating they have been removed. ■ Lock/immobilise vehicles and equipment when not in use.

■ Visibly mark your machinery and tools using an engraving or chemical etching kit or use a forensic marking kit. Place a sticker in your window to say you have done so – the signage alone can be a very effective deterrent.

■ Keep a list of tools, together with serial numbers and any identifying marks. You can do this at immobilise.com. This will help to trace them back to you if they are recovered

■ Consider the use of security patrols around building sites.

■ Keep the access to building sites secure – fences and gates help prevent unauthorised entry.

If you have any suspicious visitors on your site please call the police non-emergency number 101.

Det Ch Insp Sinski added: “I’d encourage everyone to follow the tips we’ve outlined above and if they see any suspicious activity, to report it immediately.

“We rely on information from members of the public in order to crack down effectively on this type of crime.

“If anyone is offered tools for sale in suspicious circumstances they should also contact us.”

To report an incident call the police 101 number, or get in touch using the force website. Call 999 in the case of an emergency, or where there is a crime in progress.

If anyone is offered tools for sale in suspicious circumstances they should also contact us