NEWS RELEASE 03/12/2002

Police warn traders of van raids

BEDFORDSHIRE Police is urging traders to step up security after tools worth thousands of pounds were stolen from vans over the last two months. Officers are to distribute up to 10,000 postcards in the Bedford, Biggleswade and Sandy areas spelling out the steps builders, plumbers, carpenters and others can take to protect tools – and their livelihoods Beat managers and Home Watch volunteers will place the cards under the wipers of vans parked in the division. In addition, builders’ merchants and other suppliers have offered to keep stocks that can be picked up by customers. Crime reduction officer PC Martin Wilsher, based at Greyfriars police station, said although van break-ins are always a problem, figures are currently running at four or five a week. The average value of the thefts is £1,000 and equipment taken ranges from power tools to generators. PC Wilsher urged traders to: * Remove all tools at night and place them in the house, or a secure garage * Get tools security marked * Ensure tools are properly insured * Fit vans with alarms and security chests * If a van has windows, black them out and fit security grilles He said: “Thieves are in the area at the moment – do not under estimate the knowledge they have of the local area and the methods they use to get rid of expensive tools quickly. “They will spend time locating vans near to each so they can all be attacked in one night. On speaking to the victims, it often turns out the tools are worth more than the van and insurance cover is not adequate.” Any builders merchants prepared to stock the postcards, or traders who would like crime prevention advice, can contact PC Wilsher on 01234 275225.