Burnham-On-Sea van owners were warned on Friday (March 23rd) to be on their guard by police after a spate of tool thefts from vehicles in the area.
During the last two weeks there have been at least 18 incidents along the A38 corridor where vans have been broken into and tools stolen from within.
In each incident either a window has been smashed or a lock forced before entry has been gained and power tools such as chainsaws, stone cutters and drills stolen.
An average of £700 of equipment has been stolen in each of the thefts which have happened in Burnham as well as Taunton and Bridgwater.
The majority of incidents have happened when vans have been parked outside the address of the owners overnight. Ford, Renault and Vauxhall vans have all been targeted.
The case officer, PC Jasmine Graham, said: “Motorists are being reminded to always properly secure their vehicles and never leave items on display. If tools are being stored in a van, the windows should be secured and no tools left within easy reach if the windows were to be smashed. Tools should also be locked up in a secure area when ever possible.”
