More Tool Thefts from Vans – Police Urge Owners to Be Vigilant

Published on: 29 May, 2012
Updated on: 29 May, 2012

Van owners have been warned to be on their guard following a number of thefts of tools from vehicles in Guildford.

In the latest incident a number of drills, a disc cutter, a torch and a radio were among items stolen from a silver Renault van parked in a residential road in the Westborough area.

Thieves used a sharp implement to remove a back window to gain access to the items which are valued at nearly £2,000. The offence, which caused £100 worth of damage, happened sometime between 10.15pm on Wednesday, 23 May and 7.30am on Thursday, 24 May 2012.

In a earlier incident believed to have occurred between 2pm on Thursday, 17 May and 11.40am on Wednesday, 23 May a Bosch cordless drill and case were stolen from a white LDV Pilot van parked in a lay-by off Woking Road.

The offender drilled a lock on the side of the vehicle to gain entry. The item taken is valued at £150 and there was £150 worth of damage caused to the van.

Guildford’s Crime Reduction Advisor, Mr Neil Smith said: “Surrey Police is cracking down on vehicle crime in the Guildford area and I would urge van owners to support us by being extra vigilant.

“Where possible, our advice is to not keep tools in vehicles and leave a note on the vehicle advising would-be thieves that no tools are stored within. But we appreciate that this is not always possible, especially during daylights hours when the van may still be in use, and would urge owners to put security measures in place.

“Any vehicle that is used to store valuable tools should be fitted with an alarm and ideally also an internal security cage to prevent anyone forcing their way in. The tools themselves should also be property marked, making them less attractive to the thief and easier to return to the rightful owner if they are recovered.”

If members of the public see anyone acting suspiciously around a van they should contact the police immediately. Similarly if anyone is offered high value tools for sale cheaply they should call Surrey Police on 101.”

Anyone who may recognise any of the property is asked to contact Surrey Police on 101 quoting reference GD/12/4635. Alternatively call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.