Thousands of pounds worth of tools have been stolen during a week-long spate of thefts in St Ives.

Cambridgeshire police are warning car and van owners to tighten their security and take steps to avoid becoming a target from criminals after six incidents of theft from vehicles were reported between April 2 and 10.

In five of the incidents, police have received reports of tools being stolen, with more than £3,000 worth of items taken in one incident alone.

In the sixth incident, a set of number plates were taken.

Vehicles parked in Waveney Road, All Saints Close, Green Leys, Needingworth Road, and Knights Way have all been targeted during the spate.

A spokesman for Cambridgeshire police issued advice to vehicles owners in the wake of the incidents, saying: “If you use a vehicle in connection with your business, it is advisable not to leave tools or other working materials in a vehicle whilst it is unoccupied.

“Power tools are very easy to sell on with few questions asked. They are also usually not unique making it much more difficult to be able to reunite them with their rightful owner.”

Officers are advising residents to ensure all doors, windows and sunroofs are closed and locked when leaving vehicles unattended; to always remove their keys from the ignition; to ensure all valuables are taken our of vehicles overnight, and not to leave vehicle documents in the car.

The spokesman added: “Local policing officers are concentrating patrol activity on identified hotspot areas, however anyone who believes that they have information about these offences is asked to call police on 101 or via web chat.”

Members of the public can also call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

THE INCIDENTS

CF0174090418 02/04/2018 18:30 - 03/04/2018 07:15

Ford Focus was parked within designated parking at Waveney Road. The index plates have been

stolen from the vehicle overnight.

CF0177500418 04/04/2018 22:30 - 05/04/2018 08:00

The side door of a VW Transporter van has been forced whilst parked outside the victim’s address

on All Saints Close. The vehicle has been entered and power tools stolen.

CF0183030418 08/04/2018 00:15

Offenders have entered a Mercedes Sprinter van by unknown means whilst it was parked outside

the victim’s home address in Green Leys and have stolen power tools. A witness saw a white

vehicle behaving suspiciously in the area around the time of the offence.

CF0183750418 06/04/2018 18:00 - 08/04/2018 13:00

Entry has been gained to a Ford transit by unknown means whilst it was parked on the victim’s

driveway in Needingworth Road. Power tools have been stolen.

CF0183870418 07/04/2018 23:00 - 08/04/2018 12:00

A Ford Transit Connect was left locked and secured outside the victim’s home address on Green

Leys. When the victim has returned to it, he has found the vehicle has been broken into and high

value power tools stolen.

CF0185740418 08/04/2018 19:00 - 09/04/2018 14:30

A Citroen Relay van was parked on the roadside at Knights Way. Offenders have forced entry to

the rear of the vehicle by using a sharp object to for the back door open. Tools worth more than

£3000 have been stolen.