VAN owners have been urged to be vigilant following a spate of vehicle break-ins in the Westbury area.

Two vans, one parked in Leighton Park North and the other in Danvers Way, were broken into overnight on Tuesday (June 23) and the vehicle in Danvers Way had a large quantity of power tools stolen.

Officers are investigating a similar incident from the weekend, where a van parked in Eden Vale Road was broken into between Thursday night (18/06) and Monday morning (22/06) and a number of tools were stolen.

The tools were:

• A Makita 18v combi kit (DHP458 753312 and DTD146 4045173)

• A Makitia brushless driver (2017.12 0266172)

• A Makita brushless circular saw (3104r)

• A Makita angle grinder (SN 992994y)

• Batteries and battery charger.

PC Angela Holden said: “We are concerned by the number of reports coming in of similar offences where tools have been stolen from work vans in the Westbury area.

“We are carrying out thorough enquiries to see if the same person or group of people are responsible.

“We know this type of crime has a big impact on victims, particularly in the current climate when the loss of tools can cause great financial harm and inconvenience."

“There are two ways in which the public can help us. Firstly, if you see tools for sale in suspicious circumstances, particularly tools matching the descriptions above, then please call us.

“Secondly, if you are a van owner, please follow our crime prevention advice to keep your vehicle and your tools safe.”If you have information about the Eden Vale Road theft then please call PC Holden on 101, quoting crime reference 54200059608.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Our crime prevention advice is as follows:

1. Keep your vehicle locked, windows shut and your keys secure

2. Park in a well-lit area and in clear view of your property and any CCTV cameras.

3. Do not leave any valuables such as wallets, phones, Sat Navs etc. on display.

4. Consider fitting a tool safe and secure it with good quality locks.

5. Try to park your van close to a building or hedge to restrict access.

6. If possible, remove all tools from the van when it is left overnight.

7. Take photographs of items of value and make a note of serial numbers.

8. Consider fitting an alarm that is Secured by Design accredited.

9. Mark the items of property/tools that are stored in the vehicle using an artificial DNA property marker such as Smartwater or SelectaDNA.

10. Call 999 immediately if you see a crime in progress or any suspicious activity around trade vans. Note the registration numbers of vehicles and descriptions of those involved.