Builders and van drivers warned after tool thefts increase (Status: Press release)

THE theft of tools is on the increase in South Oxfordshire and the police are warning van owners and builders to take extra security measures to safeguard their property.

Recently vans have been targeted by thieves during the day on weekdays and large quantities of power tools have been stolen.

Crime reduction advisor, Julia Wheeler, said: ?The thieves have either found the van doors insecure and helped themselves to the tools or have forced the doors open.

?Workman?s sheds and houses being renovated are also being targeted by the tool thieves and I would like to urge builders and van owners take extra security measures to help prevent their tools from being stolen.

?Unfortunately the majority of these tools are not easily traceable as they are not security marked with the owner?s postcode and business name. We strongly advise that tools are visibly and permanently marked with these details by engraving or etching. Property marking also acts as a deterrent to thieves who have to cause permanent damage to remove the marking, making it difficult to sell these items on.

?In addition to ensuring that tools are locked away whenever they are not being used, we also advise that alarms are fitted to vans and outbuildings containing tools and that the alarm is set whenever they are not occupied.

?I would also like to take this opportunity to warn anyone who is offered cheap tools for sale not to buy them as they may be stolen and that handling stolen goods is not only a criminal offence, but it also fuels the demand and increases crime.?

Anyone who has any information that could help the police with their inquiries is asked to call 0845 8 505 505 or Crimestoppers if they wish to remain anonymous on 0800 555 111.