Burnham-On-Sea Police have this week issued security advice to tradesmen in the town after several vehicles were broken into.
A large quantity of tools was stolen from a vehicle in Broadhurst Gardens during the early hours of Thursday (December 5th).
Police spokeswoman Jenny Bigwood told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “The overnight theft of tools from a Ford Transit tipper truck parked in Broadhurst Gardens, Burnham-On-Sea, was reported to police on Thursday morning.”
“The stolen items include drills, a chop saw, sander, impact tool and angle grinder (Makita-brand); two Stihl drills and a Paslo nail gun.”
CCTV footage being studied by Police shows the van being broken into, above, and a suspicious car parked nearby, pictured below, possibly being used to take away the stolen items.
“Officers are keen to hear from anyone with information which could help, especially if they have the registration number of a car seen acting suspiciously in the area. If you can help get in touch by calling 101, quoting reference 5219280648.”
Police always encourage people to call in to report suspicious activity immediately, by calling 999 if a crime is underway, otherwise ringing 101.
Another local trader has had £2,500 of tools taken from his vehicle in a smilar break-in.
The Police spokeswoman added: “Officers understand how such crimes affect the livelihoods of tradespeople and know it’s not always possible to empty a work van overnight, but recommend it if you can.”
“Our vehicle security advice is to permanently mark tools with your business name or postcode; register the serial numbers at immobilise.com; keep tools inside a secure storage cage or box anchored within the vehicle.”
“Also, you should set the alarm as well as locking the van whenever you leave it; park it in a secure garage, or with the doors against a wall or another vehicle, to make access more difficult; fit secondary locks; and use a tracking device.”
“Don’t help to create a market for stolen goods – officers would also like to hear from you if you see tools offered for sale, online or in person, at a suspiciously cheap price.”
“If you don’t want to speak to the police, you can pass on information through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 – they never ask your name or trace your call.”
