Van owners are being urged to be vigilant following an increase in break-ins and thefts from vehicles across the Hart and Rushmoor areas.

Hampshire Constabulary and the Safer North Hampshire Community Safety Partnership have issued joint advice to van owners urging them to secure their vehicles and ensure tools are marked and registered with relevant online websites.

More than 20 vehicle owners have been written to by Hampshire Constabulary officers, who, whilst on patrol, noted vehicle vulnerabilities or valuable items on display.  Police are continuing to identify vans they consider at risk or vulnerable and, working with Safer North Hampshire, will write to the owners with details on how they can improve their van and tool security. The team have also visited a number of DIY stores and builders’ merchants to speak to van owners and hand out advice.

Van owners are urged to follow these tips to protect their property:

• Ideally, van owners should empty their vans of tools each night.
• If tools can’t be brought inside overnight, try and park in a way that will prevent thieves from reaching tools by parking doors against walls or fences.
• Park in a well-lit and busy area near the house.
• If possible, park your van on your drive, and invest in some household CCTV.
• Ensure your insurance covers your tools, and if it doesn’t, consider adding it.
• Van owners should consider the use of reinforced locks, alarms and secure tool boxes within the van itself.

If tools are stolen, having them marked can help the police return them if they are recovered, as well as making it more difficult for would-be thieves to sell them on. Paint, permanent marker or alternatively, ultra-violet markings can all be used. Selecta DNA also offer property marking with a unique DNA identifier. Tools can also be registered on an online database such as Immobilise, where you can record the model and makes of tools, upload photos, serial numbers and more.

Councillor Ken Muschamp, Chairman of the Safer North Hampshire Community Safety Partnership, said: “Whilst North Hampshire is generally a low crime area, that doesn’t mean residents should be complacent. It’s everyone’s responsibility to ensure their property is secure and that we make it as difficult as possible for opportunist or professional criminals.”

For more information call 01252 774476 or email communitysafetyteam@communitysafetyteamnh.org.