Thieves target Derbyshire tradesmen to steal powertools

Equipment and tools have been stolen in the past few weeks in numerous thefts, following a new report which reveals hundreds of thousands of people in the UK use their vehicles for storage, revealing the importance of better vehicle security.

In Wharf Lane, Chesterfield, three cordless drills and a jigsaw power tool were taken from a vehicle sometimes after 8pm yesterday.

And offenders took an angle grinder and a drill form a Vehicle in Ferndale Close in Coal Ashton, Dronfield on Tuesday (October 13).

Also in Belper, items including a tool box, nail gun and saw were taken from a van parked on Applewood Close in the early hours of Monday morning, while on Sunday night, power tools and a laser level were taken from a vehicle on Shuttlewood Road in Bolsover.

Local Safer Neighbourhood team officers are urging people to step up their van and works vehicle security.

Derbyshire police said: "Park in a well-lit, overlooked areas, including driveways or garages if possible; and empty the glovebox and leave it open to show others there is nothing of value inside.

"Remove tools from your vehicle when you have finished using it for the day, or consider parking close to a wall or building so it is difficult to gain entry to the vehicle."

Report any suspicious activity to police on 101 or 999 if a crime is taking place.

For more information about vehicle security click here.