Kendal tradespeople urged to secure vehicles after string of tool thefts from vans (From The Westmorland Gazette)
When news happens, text KENEWS and your photos and videos to 80360. Or contact us by email or phone.
Kendal tradespeople urged to secure vehicles after string of tool thefts from vans
3:34pm Tuesday 29th January 2013 in News
TRADESPEOPLE in Kendal are being asked to secure their vehicles after a string of tool thefts from vans.
Since Wednesday (January 23) six thefts have been reported to police in the town, in addition to one in Staveley and another in Sedbergh.
Every vehicle that has been targeted belonged to local tradespeople and have had tools stolen from inside.
Most recently, police received reports that vans on Rusland Park, Castle Walk, Castle Grove and Castle Green Lane have been broken into.
Tools stolen included a Bosch GST50 Jig saw, a Bosch cordless Hammer drill, two Bosch cordless screw drivers and a Bosch Multitool.
Overall, power tools made by Makita, Hitachi and DeWalt have been stolen.
An investigation has been launched and police are appealing to the public for information.
Sergeant Paul Mellard, of Cumbria Police, said: “Have you seen anyone acting suspiciously around works vans or has anyone approached you offering power tools for sale? If so, then we need to speak to you.
“There are some similarities in how the offender(s) have gained access to each of the vehicles but we are keeping an open mind as to whether the thefts are linked.
“If you have any information about the thefts, please contact us as you may have important information that could lead us to the offender(s) and stop any more vehicles from being targeted.
“We are also appealing to all tradespeople to be on their guard and be aware that criminals may target your vehicles. Please take precautions and remove your tools from your vehicles overnight.
“Secure your vehicles and, if possible, park in a well-lit area and restrict access to doors or windows by parking close to walls.
“If anyone has any information about these crimes then they are urged to contact Kendal police on 101 or alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
For more crime prevention advice visit www.cumbria.police.uk or contact your local policing team by dialling 101.
