Tradespeople across Lichfield District are being urged not to leave any tools in their vehicles overnight.  

Lichfield District Safer Community Partnership is sending out the warning to local tradespeople after a spate of tool thefts from vans across the district.

Between 13 and 20 October there were ten reports of vans being targeted for their tools and equipment in Lichfield District.

Sergeant Stuart Coleman from Lichfield Police said: “Tool theft is a big problem for tradespeople, costing them in lost tools, stock and van repairs.

“There is also the added worry that thieves might return to the scene of the crime after a few months as they know the tools will have been replaced. Insurance that covers tools will help, but it still takes time to replace items, which can mean a loss of earnings.

“We want to make it much harder for thieves to target local vehicles, which is why we’re encouraging tradespeople not to leave their tools in their vans overnight and to take other precautions, such as personalising tools, keeping a note of serial numbers and other data, and installing extra security in their vans.”

The partnership is also warning its residents to be wary of buying cheap second hand tools online and at car boot sales.

Councillor Richard Cox, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Engagement, said: “We want to get the message out that buying stolen goods is not a victimless crime. You could be supporting the work of organised criminals, so please treat buying second-hand tools with caution.”

For more advice about how to keep your vehicle safe go to www.staffordshire.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/keeping-vehicles-safe.