POLICE have urged tradespeople who keep tools in their vans to secure their vehicles and remove valuables after a spate of thefts.

Offenders have been cutting holes in doors and locks, peeling panels back, and damaging rear and side doors to access tools which have been stored in vans overnight.

Five separate incidents were reported in Staffordshire and Lichfield on Tuesday (May 10) including an incident in Himley, near Dudley.

Staffordshire Police said they were called to a car park of a business, off Stourbridge Road, at around 9.15pm after three offenders emerged from a black Ford Fiesta and drilled a hole in a blue Vauxhall Combo parked nearby before making off.

Officers are making inquiries regarding the incident and anyone with any information or who saw anything suspicious is urged to contact police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

People are urged to lock vans in a secure garage or use a steering lock to deter opportunists from targeting vehicles. Officers also recommend parking vans in direct view of CCTV cameras, if possible, and drivers are urged to remove tools from vans overnight, and mark them using paint pens and seal with a clear lacquer spray.

A lockable cabinet and small cameras could also be installed inside vans for additional security.

For more crime prevention advice, visit the Staffordshire Police website.