Warning after spate of high-value thefts from vans in south Lincs

Thousands of pounds worth of tools were taken as the crooks targeted six vans in one night, including in Swineshead, Bicker, and Fosdyke.

A Vauxhall Vivaro van was broken into in South Street, Swineshead, and around £2,000 worth of tools including saws and a nail guns were taken.

Thieves also broke into two Vauxhall Vivaro vans were broken into in Benner Road, Pinchbeck, but both were empty so nothing was taken.

A Peugeot van was also broken into in Lowgate Avenue in Bicker and £800 of electrical tools were stolen and a Renault van was broken into in West Cobgate, Moulton, and a quantity of power tools were stolen.

A Ford Transit van containing around £1,000 worth of tools was stolen from Radcliffe Road in Stamford.

Thieves also attemptedto break into a van in Old Main Road, Fosdyke. One of the van doors was damaged but nothing was taken.

Sally Picker, crime reduction tactical advisor for Lincolnshire Police, said: “Vans are often targeted by opportunistic thieves who are looking for valuable tools. We appreciate that it is often difficult to remove all tools when the van is left overnight, although this is obviously the ideal. If you see anyone acting suspiciously, witness a crime or are offered goods under suspicious circumstances then please call us on 101.”

She issued a few simple tips to help secure your van and its contents:

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

Ensure the van is locked and windows shut whenever it is left unattended

Keep all possessions out of sight – don’t leave jackets, sat navs etc on show

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

Whenever possible park in an area that is covered by CCTV

If your van is older, consider fitting new locks that are more difficult to compromise – it is not as expensive as you might think

Fit an alarm – there are various alarms on the market but we recommend products that are Thatcham/Secured by Design accredited. However, a small stand-alone PIR shed type alarm with texting/calling facility or personal attack alarm when triggered can be very loud, act as a deterrent and let you know that your vehicle has been entered.

Mark the items of property/tools that are stored in the van. Ideally mark them overtly with paint pens and then seal down with a clear lacquer spray. Mark property with the name of your company, the postcode, house or building number or name. Items that are overtly marked are less desirable and more difficult to sell on.

Take photographs of items of value, make a note of serial numbers and consider registering with the free site immobilise.com

If you have any information about van crime you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 – no personal details are taken, information cannot be traced and you will not go to court.

For more information contact your local Crime Reduction Tactical Advisor – email – [email protected] or ring 07867936487.