Van leasing customers issued with theft warning
Friday 21 May 2010 Back to Blog
Those that contract hire vans in the Milton Keynes area have been warned to be extra cautious following a spate of thefts.
There have been five instances in the last week alone, and seven in the whole of May, in which items have been stolen from vans.
Some high-value items have been taken, including electric drills, a chainsaw, hedge cutters, leaf blower and other power tools.
"For those affected, these tools are the essence of their business and livelihood. The loss to a small business or self-employed individual would have a significantly detrimental effect on them," said Neil Goodridge, Thames Valley Police crime reduction advisor.
Police are advising van owners to remove tools from their vehicles overnight to prevent any further thefts.
In addition, they recommend parking near to well-lit housing preferably against a wall, hedge or garage in order to restrict access to the back of the van.
According to the Association of Chief Police Officers' Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service, the Ford Transit is the most likely vehicle to be targeted in a crime.