POLICE in West Cumbria are urging people to secure and mark their property following reports of theft from work vehicles.
People are also being urged not to leave property or tools in vans or other vehicles overnight.
The offences reported are:
- Tools stolen from a van that was forced into overnight 18th-19th June on Caldecote Avenue, Cockermouth.
- In the early hours of 19th June, a Vauxhall Corsa on Douglas Road in Workington was broken into where a bag and a book were stolen.
- Tools stolen from a van that was broken into overnight 18th-19th June on The Green, Cockermouth.
- Tools stolen from a van that overnight 18th-19th June on Latrigg Close, Keswick.
- Tools stolen from a van that was broken into overnight 18th-19th June on Latrigg Close, Keswick.
- Tools stolen from a van that was broken into overnight 18th-19th June on Windebrowe Avenue, Keswick.
- Tools stolen from a van that was broken into overnight 18th-19th June on Windebrowe Avenue, Keswick.
Chief Inspector Jon Sherlock said: “We are investigating these offences and seeking to identify those responsible.
“Whilst we continue with these efforts, I would urge people to take property out of their vehicles and permanently mark their tools to make them identifiable and help deter theft; etching tools with a postcode, businesses address or smart water will help police to identify them if they are recovered.
“Anyone who witnesses any suspicious behaviour or who has information which could assist in these investigations should contact police on 101 immediately. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.”
Security advice to tradespersons:
- If possible avoid leaving tools in a vehicle overnight and even when on a job.
- Park your van in a garage or well-lit area.
- Keep tools out of sight and locked in a secure storage container or chained to the chassis.
- Consider installing an alarm and an immobiliser.
- Mark your tools. Visible markings may deter some criminals. There are also high-tech solutions like DataTag, Smartwater or SelectDNA for marking more expensive equipment.
- Register your equipment with national property register, Immobilise. This can assist in returning any equipment that is stolen.
- Report suspicious activity to police.
