Police warning as cars and vans broken into in crime spree
Police are investigating thefts of tools and equipment from vehicles in South Norfolk and Breckland. Picture: Getty - Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
Police are warning people in South Norfolk and Breckland to be vigilant after a number of vehicles have been broken into in the past week.
Inspector Laura Symonds of the Diss, Harleston and Long Stratton Safer Neighbourhood Team. Picture: Norfolk Police - Credit: Norfolk Police
Thieves targeted cars or vans in Diss, Roydon, Bressingham, Dickleburgh, Banham and Kenninghall in 10 separate incidents between Saturday, October 5 and Wednesday, October 9.
Tools have been stolen in a number of the incidents.
Inspector Laura Symonds said: "It is clear thieves are targeting these vehicles to steal any tools they find within. I would urge anyone who uses a van to think carefully about security.
Two empty De Walt tool cases found in Old Buckenham following spate of thefts from vans. Picture: Suffolk Police - Credit: Suffolk Police
"Consider taking high value tools out of your van overnight; however, if this is not possible then try and park your vehicle in a well-lit, secure area where it is difficult to access.
"There are also a number of other things you can do to prevent your tools being targeted. Clearly mark your tools with your postcode as it will make them less valuable to opportunist thieves and keep a record of the serial numbers. You could also take pictures of them should they need to be traced."
Two empty De Walt tool cases were recently found dumped in Old Buckenham and another in Redgrave, where two males were seen acting suspiciously around a Ford Transit.
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Van owners are being advised to register their tools for free at immobilise.com by taking note of the serial numbers and models, and to use ultraviolet pen to invisibly mark their property.
Police also advise removing tools where possible and upgrading locks or fitting additional security measures.
Insp Symonds is also urging the public to be vigilant.
"I would urge anyone who sees any suspicious activity in the area they live to contact police," she said. "This could be an individual acting suspiciously or a vehicle you are unfamiliar with in your street in the early hours of the morning.
"Please be sure to note down vehicle descriptions, including number plates and direction of travel and if you do believe a crime is in progress then please call police on 999."
- Anyone with information about the incidents should contact police on 101.
