This is a message to all watch members and Key Individuals from Harborough & Lutterworth Police.
Builders and other trades people are being warned to take precautions against the theft of power tools when their vans are left unattended.
Over the past two months tools have been stolen from 54 vehicles in South Leicestershire (Blaby, Harborough, Hinckley and Bosworth, and Oadby and Wigston).
Leicestershire Constabulary says whenever possible, power tools should be removed from vehicles whenever they are left unattended.
Where this is not possible, drivers should:-
• Park next to walls, fences or gates so that rear or side doors are inaccessible
• Park in well-lit and well observed and overlooked areas
• Make sure van windows are obscured so none of the tools can be seen
• Property mark tools by etching, using security marking chemicals or inks which show up under ultraviolet lights
• Keep photographs of tools. This will help identify tools recovered from thieves by the police
• Fit a vehicle alarm
PC 1009 Steve Day (South Area Crime Reduction Officer) currently has a supply of van alarms, which emit a signal to a receiver unit up to 30 metres away. These would be ideal for contractors on site or for trades-people with their vans parked outside their homes.
The alarms can be bought from the police for £20 each. For further details, contact PC Steve Day on 0116 222 2222 extension 5532.
Henry Whatley (7729)
Community Initiatives Co-ordinator
Harborough & Lutterworth Police
