POLICE are urging van owners to be vigilant after a number of tools were stolen from a van in Burnham-on-Sea.

Drills, a chop saw, a sander, an impact tool, a nail gun and an angle grinder were all stolen from a Ford Transit tipper truck parked in Broadhurst Gardens on Thursday (December 5).

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said they would urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

"The overnight theft of tools from a Ford Transit tipper truck parked in Broadhurst Gardens, Burnham-on-Sea, was reported to police just before 8am on Thursday 5 December," the spokesperson said.

“The stolen items include drills, a chop saw, sander, impact tool and angle grinder (Makita-brand); two Stihl drills and a Paslo nail gun.

“Officers are keen to hear from anyone with information which could help, especially if they have the registration number of a car seen acting suspiciously in the area.

“If you can help get in touch through www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/contact, or call 101, quoting reference 5219280648.

“Police always encourage people to call in to report suspicious activity immediately, by calling 999 if a crime is underway, otherwise ringing 101.

“If you don’t want to speak to the police, you can pass on information through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. They never ask your name or trace your call.”

The police has issues security advice to van owners and said they would urge van owners to be vigilant.

The spokesperson added: "Officers understand how such crimes affect the livelihoods of tradespeople and know it’s not always possible to empty a work van overnight, but recommend it if you can.

"Other vehicle security advice:

• permanently mark tools with your business name or postcode

• register the serial numbers at www.immobilise.com

• keep tools inside a secure storage cage or box anchored within the vehicle

• set the alarm as well as locking the van whenever you leave it

• park it in a secure garage, or with the doors against a wall or another vehicle, to make access more difficult

• fit secondary locks

• use a tracking device Don’t help to create a market for stolen goods – officers would also like to hear from you if you see tools offered for sale, online or in person, at a suspiciously cheap price.