Cambridgeshire Police has urged van drivers across Cambridgeshire to take extra precautions following a recent spate in tool theft.

Between February 1 and 15, officers logged 33 crimes relating to theft from vans across the county, with 24 involving stolen tools.

Ten offences were recorded in south Cambridgeshire alone, while nine were logged in Fenland, and seven in Huntingdonshire.

Meanwhile, five offences were reported in Cambridge and two in Peterborough.

The warning comes less than a week after police confirmed a number of thefts from cars in Peterborough.

Between February 1 and 9, 29 crimes involving theft from vehicles across the city were recorded, with five incidents concerning an unlocked vehicle.

Andy Morris, neighbourhood policing Inspector said: “Looking at the reports we have received, we are seeing that the offenders are mainly opting to drill into the locks on the vans and force entry that way.

“Those who have had tools stolen from them have been severely affected as this impacts their work.

“While I appreciate it can be an inconvenience, I would urge van owners to consider removing any items from their vehicles overnight and taking preventative measures to protect the vehicles from being drilled, such as reversing into driveways or installing cameras and lighting to deter thieves.

“The public’s help through reporting any suspicious activity or video footage can help any subsequent investigation. Even if you do not own a van, please stay vigilant and look out for your neighbours by reporting any suspicious activity to us.”

Anyone who has information regarding suspicious activity, or has video footage they would like to send to Cambridgeshire Police, can do so by using the force’s online reports system.

Advice on how to protect your vehicle can be found on the force’s dedicated webpages.

If a crime is in action, or someone is in immediate danger, always dial 999.