Police investigating the theft of tools from a number of vehicles have issued a warning to Ford Transit van owners as they suspect that thieves are using a skeleton combination key to gain entry to the vehicles.
Officers have reiterated their warning to tradesmen to remove valuable power tools from their vehicles at night and to also consider investing in after-purchase locks.
The warning comes after valuable power tools were stolen from several Ford Transit vans in Thirsk overnight on 10 September.
Detective Constable Matthew Mitchell of Northallerton CID, said: It’s vital that owners and drivers are vigilant and remove valuables, especially overnight. We appreciate that this may take time at the end of a long day’s work, however to keep your valuables safe, we recommend removing valuable items for safe storage.
After-market locking systems are readily available to offer a locking system independent of the Ford locks, this will increase security of any items inside the van and they also offer a visual deterrent on the outside of the van.
Four suspects have been arrested in connection with the Thirsk incidents and have been released on bail while the investigation continues.
Anyone with any information about the Thirsk thefts and anyone who has been offered power tools for sale is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police.
Please call 101, select option 2 and ask for DC Matthew Mitchell or email matthew.mitchell@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk
