Leicestershire Police is warning local van owners to be vigilant after a recent increase in tool theft from vans.

Van owners are being urged to follow these simple steps to prevent them from becoming a victim:

• If you are staying in a hotel, where possible remove your tools from your van and keep them in your room overnight
• 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 garage, use it. If your van is parked on a driveway, consider installing security lighting. If neither of these applies, try to park in well-lit areas
• consider alarming the vehicle or fitting an internal security cage when tools and equipment are not being used, ensure they are kept securely in a lockable store rather than in your vehicle
• Consider whether the storage area can be alarmed. If the equipment is portable, take it with you
• don’t leave tools in vehicles unattended or overnight, and 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 www.immobilise.com. This will help to trace them back to you if they are recovered

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

Tools are extremely valuable possessions and when stolen, can impact hugely on small businesses. Leicestershire Police 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.

Anyone with information about vehicle crime in Leicester, Leicestershire or Rutland is urged to call Leicestershire Police. 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 contact us on 101. Alternatively, they can call independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.