Extra police patrols after tools stolen from three vans

Police have stepped up patrols throughout the High Peak following the theft of tools from three vans.

The vans were targeted in New Mills and Chapel-en-le-Frith on Sunday evening (9 May). 

Power tools were stolen from each of the vehicles at the following addresses:

• Gisbourne Street, Chapel – white Ford Transit van broken into at 11.10pm.
• Manchester Road, Chapel – white Ford Transit van broken into at 11.20pm.
• Peak Road, New Mills - white Ford Transit van broken into between 9.30pm and 6.30am on Monday morning (10 May).

A white Audi was seen in the area at the time.

Derbyshire Constabulary say patrols have been stepped up across the area, with specialist roads policing officers also in the area to support local safer neighbourhood teams.

Anyone with any information about the incidents is asked to contact Derbyshire police, using reference 21*251687:

• Facebook – send a private message to /DerbyshireConstabulary
• Twitter – direct message the contact centre on @DerPolContact
• Website – complete the online contact form derbyshire.police.uk/Contact-Us.
• Phone – call 101.

Vans are often targeted by thieves for the tools stored inside. 

Police have reaffirmed some steps van owners can take to reduce the risks of being targeted by thieves. 

• Consider fitting a tool safe and secure it with good quality locks.
• It may sound obvious, but ensure the van is locked and windows shut whenever it is left unattended.
• Keep all possessions out of sight – don’t leave jackets, Sat Navs or other items on show.
• Try to park your van close to a building or hedge to restrict access.
• Whenever possible park in a lit area that is covered by CCTV.
• If your van is older, consider fitting new locks that are more difficult to compromise – it’s not as expensive as you might think.
• Fit an alarm. There are various alarms are on the market but we recommend products that are Thatcham/Secured by Design accredited.  However, a small stand alone PIR shed type alarm with a texting facility or personal attack alarm can be very loud when triggered, and will act as a deterrent and let you know that your vehicle has been entered.
• Mark the items of property/tools that are stored in the van.  Ideally mark them overtly with paint pens and then seal down the marking with a clear lacquer spray.  Mark property with the name of your company, the postcode, house or building number or name.  Items that are overtly marked are less desirable and more difficult to sell on. CRE Products offers a property marking service in order to deter thieves and aid the recovery of stolen property.
• Take photographs of items of value, make a note of serial numbers.

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