POLICE are asking residents to remain vigilant following a further series of thefts from vehicles in the Mid Devon area including Crediton.

The most recent incidents happened between Saturday, October 27 and Monday, October 29.

Trade tools were mainly stolen.

Officers are reminding members of the public not to leave valuables in the vehicles – thieves know all of the hiding places.

A Crediton Police spokesperson advises: “Over the past few days trade vehicles across Mid Devon have been targeted and tools have been stolen.

“Some of the vehicles have not been damaged to gain access and it appears this could be an organised crime group.

“Therefore please remain vigilant and remove all tools from vehicles when not in use. Please report any suspicious activity immediately via 999 and note any descriptions such as persons/vehicles/direction of travel etc.”

SECOND SPATE

The recent incidents of thefts from vans follows a number which occured late on Monday, October 1.

During that night about £1,000 worth of tools were stolen from a transit van parked in Church Street.

Crediton Police confirmed that on the same night another two vehicles within the Crediton area were also broken into and further power tools stolen from each of those.

ADVICE

Devon and Cornwall Police have issued advice on how to prevent such thefts and where to report anything suspicious.

The police say trade vans parked overnight are most likely to be targeted.

Tradesmen and women are advised that because their tools are their livelihood, losing them can cause far greater loss than their financial value.

Suggestions of things to do to make a van and tools secure include:

• Upgrade the security on the van and fit an independent alarm, don’t rely on the factory fitted alarm. Select one accredited by "Thatcham" and always use it. For details visit: www.thatcham.org .

• Register property with the UK national property register via the website: www.immobilise.com .

• Alternatively contact the local vehicle dealership for advice and information on the latest security upgrades available.

• Fit additional locks on the van doors as some manufacturer’s locks can be picked, which will also disable the alarm.

• Fit a quality tool chest in the van and secure it with a "Sold Secure" padlock. For details visit: www.soldsecure.com .

• Mark tools so they can easily be identified.

Here are some suggestions how: ?• Engrave the owner’s name, telephone number and Postcode together with "IF SOLD CALL ME" on the tools ?• Spray paint the tools a bright colour such as hot pink. This literally makes them too hot to handle!

• Keep an up-to-date list of the tools, including photographs and serial numbers.

For more information, visit the website: www.dc.police.uk/toolsatrisk .

Advice is also available by emailing the police at: [email protected] or by calling 101.

Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or reporting online at: www.crimestoppers-uk.org .

Crediton Police added: “Please remain vigilant, secure your property and report any suspicious activity immediately.”