Theft from trade vans across the local area.

In recent weeks we have seen a marked increase in theft from trade vans of tools and in some cases, thefts of vans. Vans are being targeted and attacked by drilling of the locks on side sliding doors.

We are conducting patrols to identify and deter offenders, as well as providing reassurance to the public.

If you have a van, please remember to keep the doors closed and locked when unattended, even if you are nearby.  It doesn’t take long for a suspect to take your expensive power tools and disappear before you’ve noticed.

Register all of your van contents on the national database, www.immobilise.com.

Permanently mark your tools and equipment with your postcode and business name and house number.

Bolt secure cages or boxes inside your van to store tools.

Take your tools out of your van overnight (if you can, we realise this is difficult sometimes, at least consider taking out the higher value items).

Park with rear doors or sliding doors against a wall.

Take care when buying tools second-hand. It may be tempting to pick up a bargain, but if you buy stolen property – even in good faith – you’ll lose out.

Actions

• 26 March 2025
  

  The team set up at Wickes, Paulton and gave out advice and resources to trade van drivers as a preventative measure.

  We will visit further locations across the beat area when the opportunity allows.

• 19 March 2025
  

  Van theft and theft from van leaflets taken and given out at Neighbourhood Beat Surgery. 12:00 19/03 at Costa Coffee, Midsomer Norton.