Van owners urged to be vigilant following series of thefts from vans

We are urging van owners to be vigilant following a spate of thefts from vans in Tamworth.

Thieves have taken drills, saws and plumbing and fishing equipment from different vans over the last two weeks at different times in the day and night.

On Wednesday (24 January), a chainsaw, drill and saws, worth more than £1,000, were stolen from a silver Ford Transit which was parked at Tamworth Football Club, Kettlebrook Road.

We think it happened at some point between 4.20pm and 6.15pm on Monday (22 January).

Also, on 22 January, three vans – a black Ford Transit, a silver Ford Transit and a white Peugeot Partner – were damaged whilst they were parked at a hotel on Bonehill Road. Fishing equipment was taken from inside one of them.

On Monday 15 January, drills and plumbing equipment, worth £3,000, were also taken from inside a silver Vauxhall Vivaro that was parked on the drive of a home near Lytham.

It happened between 6pm on Saturday 13 January and 9.15am on Monday 15 January.

Local officers have been investigating all of the thefts, looking over CCTV and patrolling the area proactively.

Chief Inspector Rob Neeson, of the Tamworth local policing team, said: “We are committed to acting on people’s concerns and taking proactive action to stop thieves from taking people’s hard earned belongings.

“In order to limit the chances of being targeted by opportunists, we advise people to keep their vehicles secured at all times and kept in clear view of CCTV, where possible.

“If you have a secure garage, keep your vehicle inside and consider installing a steering lock as a further deterrent.

“You should attempt to remove tools from vans overnight, as thieves will often try to target them in night-time hours.

“I would also suggest using a lockable cabinet and small cameras that can be installed inside vans.”

For more crime prevention advice, visit the Preventing car and vehicle theft section on our website.

If you have any information, CCTV or dashcam footage that could help us with our inquiries into the thefts, contact us by calling 101, or message us using Live Chat on our website.

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.