Tools taken in trio of van break-ins (From Sutton Guardian)

Tools taken in trio of van break-ins around Sutton

1:50pm Tuesday 29th January 2013 in News By Mike Pyle

Expensive tools including nail guns were stolen from workmen's vans yesterday.

Three vans were broken into in separate incidents in Sutton yesterday prompting police to warn tradesmen to make sure their vehicles are secure.

Three nail guns worth £500 each were stolen from a Vauxhall Vivaro parked at the Cheam Resource Centre, London Road, at 12.20pm. Two white men were seen in the area of the van at this time.

At around the same time two power drills and a Breitling watch were stolen from a Citroen Dispatch van at Tesco, Oldfields Road, after the lock had been removed from the driver’s door.

On the same day, a Ford Transit on the top floor car park at B&Q, Sutton Town Centre, was broken into after the passenger side quarter light window was smashed. Exactly what was taken is not clear.

PC Duncan Harris said vehicles should be locked at all times and all tools should be property marked. Tools left in the vehicle should be locked securely within a solid vault bolted to the sides or bottom of the vehicle.

Detective Inspector Jim Bennett added: "Thieves target vans for tools. Some tools, particularly power tools, are expensive items and can be resold relatively easily and for a good price. So if you are offered any tools please let us know."

If you have any information about any of yesterday's break-ins you can call Sutton CID on 020 8649 0747 or the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.