Advice for van owners following attempted tool thefts

Van owners across Staffordshire are being advised to ensure their vehicles and contents are secure following a number of attempted tool thefts across the county. 

Vans parked overnight at hotels are particularly being targeted by thieves at the moment, with officers issuing the below advice to owners in the hope they won’t also fall victim.

Overnight on 4 – 5 October, vans parked at Travelodge hotels in Needwood and Tamworth, as well as Premier Inn hotels in Burton, Stoke-on-Trent, Uttoxeter and Tamworth were targeted.

Offences are force-wide with offences occurring between 8am – 3am, primarily on weekdays. Offenders are also likely to travel across multiple districts in one night and carry tools used for cutting holes in vans to force entry.

DC Daniel Trupp, part of the Priorities Team within CID at Staffordshire Police, said: “When these offences take place it is not only an inconvenience to the owners of these vehicles but it can have a real impact on their livelihoods.

“We are asking van owners to be vigilant and also consider their vehicle’s security to mitigate the chances of them falling victim to crime.

“Steps they can take include removing tools from their vans but where this is not possible marking them clearly with their name using paint pens and sealing that with a clear lacquer spray. I would also suggest using a lockable cabinet and small cameras can also be installed inside vans.

“I would also suggest taking photographs of items of value and noting down their serial numbers. They can also be registered online at a property register site.”

Further information on how to keep vehicle’s safe can be found on the force website.