Police are urging van owners to be vigilant and do their best to beat thieves following a spate of thefts in north Cumbria.
Vans in Carlisle and the Penrith area have been targeted in recent weeks, with thieves breaking in and taking tools.
The west and the north of Carlisle have been among the areas where vehicles were broken into.
A number of vehicles were targeted overnight on January 19 to 20 and overnight on January 24 to 25.
In the Penrith area, vans were broken into overnight on January 19 to 20, with a vehicle targeted in Mardale Road and on the A592 outside the town.
Detective Sergeant Chris Brennand said: “Investigations are underway into these thefts.
“But we want to make van owners aware so they can take the necessary precautions to protect themselves.
“Tool theft is anything but a victimless crime.
“It not only hurts financially in terms of replacement tools – but also lost work for those who need them as part of their job.
“I’d ask everyone to be vigilant and follow the advice we are issuing to protect your possessions.”
Security advice includes:
- 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.
- Report suspicious activity.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101. Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
