POLICE have received a number of reports of tools being stolen from work vans in the Crediton and Mid Devon area.

A number of incidents occurred late on Monday, October 1.

Crediton Police confirmed that a transit van parked in Church Street was broken into that evening and a number of power tools were stolen.

They add 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.

£1,000 WORTH OF TOOLS

The owner of the vehicle parked in Church Street took to social media after thefts from his van.

Ryan Wilshire wrote on “Facebook”: “Last night my work van on Church Street in Crediton was broken into.

“Tools to the value of nearly £1,000 were stolen.

“This will affect my ability to carry out jobs and provide for my family.

“The tools that were taken are: Black Makita drill and driver set in a green Makita box with eight batteries and a charger; Two angle grinders, one Bosch and one Metebo within a Makita box; Two Makita SDS hammer drills in their boxes, one box is heavily spray painted.

“Most tools are marked (RW) with a Sharpie.”

Ryan asked people to share his message and said: “Let’s make these tools too hot to handle and share this throughout Devon.”

He added: “If you get offered or have seen anyone with the listed articles above, please contact Ryan on 07891 883452.

“There will be a generous reward for details leading to the full return of my tools.”

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.

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

The crime reference for the Church Street van break-in is: CR/090806/18.