Thieves are targeting work vans across the Cambridgeshire area because they know there are rich pickings to be had, police have said. Officers have issued a fresh security warning for motorists after the claims, which were made during a Sawston sector police meeting on Tuesday night. Chief Inspector James Sutherland, area commander for South Cambridgeshire, updated residents and representatives of crime in their areas before opening up the floor for questions.
‘Spate of van break ins’
A representative of Great Abington Parish Council asked about a spate of work vans being broken into with tools and work equipment stolen in the village, and what could be done to deter thieves. Chief Insp Sutherland said thieves were also targeting work vans in East Cambridgeshire and South Cambridgeshire not just Great Abington. He said: Bigger groups are coming from all around because they know there are rich pickings to be had in Cambridgeshire.
We have been trying to contact the owners of work vans urging them to take their tools out of the van at night time.
Transit type vans are a target and people are coming to this area specifically to look for them; people have to secure them.
We are not going to arrest our way out of this problem.
Whilst we don’t blame victims for crimes, these incidents are entirely and completely avoidable if you take the tools out of your van each day and lock your car.
Chief Insp Sutherland said perimeter alarms were a really good idea to deter thieves, as well as parking your vehicle on your driveway.
Security advice from police
Security advice from police includes locking your car whenever you leave it.
Other tips include:
Removing everything from the car; don’t even leave a jacket where it can be seen
Closing the sunroof along with the windows when you leave
Not storing things in the boot; take them with you
Storing car ownership information in your home, not your car
Having a routine to ensure you always take the keys out of the ignition
Taking removable stereos and sat nav equipment with you
In addition, using secure (theft resistant) number plates can make your plates less attractive to thieves