Police are warning trades people to be on the alert to thieves targeting vans in South Gloucestershire and Bristol and stealing either the vehicles or tools.
Officers say the thieves, often themselves in a white Ford Transit van, are targeting vehicles at building sites or parked at builders’ merchants and large hardware stores.
The thieves have been described as white men, sometimes wearing fluorescent tabards. They are able to break into a van and make off with tools within seconds.
There have been more than 30 reported incidents in the past month in the Ashley Down, Downend, Eastville, Filton, Patchway, Sea Mills, St George and Thornbury areas, most between 8am and 2pm.
The most recent incident was on Wednesday 11th August at around 11.45am, when a Mercedes Sprinter van was stolen from Eastland Road, Thornbury, as the driver was making a delivery.
Earlier that morning two men made off empty-handed after being disturbed trying to get into another van in the town.
South Gloucestershire Community Safety Inspector Gerry Treacy said: “I’d ask people to call us immediately if they spot anyone behaving suspiciously around vans, if they have been offered tools for sale in suspicious circumstances or if they any other information which could help our enquiries.
“Anyone with information can contact police on 0845 456 7000. Alternatively contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Source: Avon and Somerset Police
