Residents urged to secure vehicles after increase in van breaks

People in South Staffordshire are being urged to make sure their vehicles are left safe and secure following a number of van breaks in the area recently. 

Officers received reports of tools stolen from a blue Citroen Dispatch on Church Road, Kinver between 2pm – 2.30pm on October 27.

Tools were also stolen from a van this time at Wolverhampton Road, Codsall on October 28. It is believed the offence took place between 10.30am – midday and the van, a white Vauxhall Combo, was insecure at the time. It is also believed the offenders were seen in a grey/silver Ford Focus.

On November 1, officers were called to Long Street, Wheaton Aston following reports of the rear door of a Peugeot Boxer van having been forced open which activated an alarm. It is believed the offence took place between October 31 and November 2.

Officers were called to reports of an offender attempting to access a Ford Transit at around 10pm on November 2 on Hilton Lane, Featherstone. It is believed the offender attempted to drill a hole in the rear of the van and was seen in a silver BMW.

On November 3, officers were called to Wesley Avenue, Bilbrook, following reports of tools stolen from a white Mercedes Vito and damage caused to the van overnight.

Officers were also called to reports of an attempted van break on New Street, Essington. It is reported the offence took place overnight between November 2 – November 3 and damage was caused to the door lock of a white Ford Transit.

PC Ashley Fraser at Staffordshire Police, said: “I would urge everyone who owns a vehicle to make sure you do not leave valuables in them overnight and to make sure they are locked and secure at all times.

“This means manually or automatically locking the vehicle and using other tools like steering wheel locks where possible.

“Do not leave bank cards or details, money or other items of worth in the vehicle and ensure all CCTV cameras you own are working and on overnight.

“I would like to reassure the communities in South Staffordshire that we are doing all we can to identify and apprehend offenders and we appreciate all your efforts to keep yourself, your vehicle and your home safe and secure.”