POLICE in Slough are urging motorists to be vigilant after a spate of thefts of tools and other items from unattended vans in recent weeks.

Since April 1, 35 such offences have been reported across Slough and Langley with a variety of types of vans targeted, but all of the offences have taken place overnight and have occurred on residential roads.

Det Sgt Madoc-Jones, from Local CID in Slough, said: “I would like to make local residents aware of the current increase in offences toward unattended vans and to take additional care with their vehicles and property, as well as considering additional security measures for their vans.” “I am very aware that tools are extremely valuable and can have a huge impact on small businesses when stolen. It is really important that tradesmen and tradeswomen take action to secure their vehicles over and above the standard provided by vehicle manufacturers.

“Please consider installing lock boxes, additional interior alarms, and above all mark your tools and other property. Marking property using etching tools and selecta DNA is preferable. This is essential in helping us identify victim’s property when we recover suspected stolen property.” Officers are undertaking additional patrols in areas where the offences are taking place.

Anyone with any information about who maybe committing this type of crime is urged to call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

The following advice has been issued by police: -Always remove tools from your van where possible and keep them in a locked store -If you own a garage, always use it to secure your vehicle -Always check that your vehicle has locked correctly if using a key fob, don’t assume that it has locked- double check -If you have to park your vehicle in a public place ensure that it is parked in a well lit location ideally covered by CCTV cameras -Consider fitting an internal alarm system to your vehicle separate from the installed vehicle alarm, low cost alarms are readily available -Fit internal security lockers or cages for your tools and use good quality padlocks to secure them -Consider fitting additional external security locks and use good quality padlocks.

-Post-code or mark all tools using ultraviolet pens or engravers, forensic marking such as Selecta DNA or Smartwater can also be used Keep a record of all your tools including serial numbers and identifying marks