Secure your vans and tools after spate of thefts, urge police (From Bournemouth Echo)

Secure your vans and tools after spate of thefts, urge police

3:00pm Friday 22nd February 2013 in News

VAN and truck drivers are being urged to property-mark their tools and properly secure their vehicles in an attempt to deter thieves.

Hampshire police and the Safer New Forest Partnership have raised concerns following a series of thefts from vans parked in towns, rural and residential areas with tools left inside.

The Safer New Forest Partnership are advising that trucks and vans be parked in a locked garage or secure depots overnight where possible.

In addition to this, tools with security marks will discourage thieves from selling them on and postcodes with a house number will allow the police to return stolen goods if recovered.

Cllr Jill Cleary, New Forest District Council portfolio holder for housing and communities, said: “While the police are aware of the problem and doing a lot to combat it, the owners of trade vans and trucks should ensure they keep their property as secure as possible.”

Visit immobilise.com to register property for free. The police can then use this information to reunite stolen items with their owners.