Van drivers urged to make sure tools are removed from vehicles after spate of incidents in and around Lichfield - Lichfield Live®

2022-05-14 00:38:03 By : Ms. Sunday Export

Lichfield's only independent news publisher

Van drivers are being urged to make sure they remove valuables from their vehicles after a spate of incidents in and around Lichfield.

Criminals have cut holes in doors and locks as well as damaging panels and doors to gain access to tools left overnight in vehicles.

Grinders, saws and drills have been taken, with Ford Transit and Vauxhall Vivaro vehicles among the most commonly targeted.

Five incidents were reported on Tuesday (10th May) alone, including a grey Ford Transit parked on a residential driveway on Weeford Road. Thieves damaged the passenger door at around 12.05am before making off with tools.

Two similar incidents happened overnight in Barton-under-Needwood between 10.30pm on Monday and 8.30am the following morning and saw goods worth £1,000 taken Park Road and a further £2,000 worth of items stolen from a van on Oak Road.

Chief Inspector Scott Gidman, from Staffordshire Police, said:

“Where possible, lock your van in a secure garage or use a steering lock to deter any opportunists from targeting your vehicle.

“You should attempt to remove tools from vans overnight. An alternative can be to mark 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.”

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