Warning over spike in thefts from vans

Bishop's Castle safer neighbourhood team has warned residents after there have been 19 reports of vans being broken into in the area since September.

Police say the thefts have been around Church Stretton, Craven Arms, Ludlow, Bishop's Castle and villages in between.

The warning said: "Some of the offences have been daytime while the owner was at a job and others have been overnight outside the owner's property.

"The majority of the vans have had the rear/side door locks attacked.

"Twelve of these vans have been Ford Transits which have poor locks, even the new models. It is a issue that Ford does not seem to be addressing.

"If at a site/job with your van please keep it locked. If you are having to keep tools in the van overnight then consider fitting a new lock.

"Basic hasp locks can be purchased off internet site such as eBay for as little as £20. More purpose made van door locks from manufacturers like Milenco cost from £80.

"Of note when the offenders have been witnessed there have been common offending vehicles.

"A black Saab 9-3 has been seen during the daytime offences, occupants of a black Ford Focus were seen attempting to break into a van in Bishops Castle about midnight on October 25."

The police have also said three males in a black Audi A4 have been reported as acting suspiciously in the area recently.

Meanwhile, over the past week in the Market Drayton area police have had 102 calls, with 22 crimes coming from these incidents.

Constable Alan Ambrose said: "Last Wednesday a van was parked in Stafford Street, Market Drayton. The vehicle had its front passenger window smashed and items stolen from the van.

"The vehicle was found with the damage in the morning so this has possible happened overnight.

"The following day we had a call from a concerned resident in the Hinstock area where a male knocked on the resident’s door and asked if they needed some work on the residents roof.

"This was a cold call visit and the male who knocked did not make a prior arrangement or call to the resident regarding any work that needed to be done.

"Please be mindful with cold callers as these could be rogue traders. If you have any concerns please ask them to come back another day if you want any work doing.

"Once you have got there details then you can check and confirm if they are genuine tradesmen before employing them to do any work needed.

"If they are persistent or won’t leave at the time of the first visit then call us on 101 and we can visit and speak to these people.

"On October 21 police received a call from an address in Norton-in-Hales.

"A house was broken into and the car keys of a White Volkswagen Golf along with the vehicle was stolen. This has happened between 11.30am and 6pm."

If you have any information regarding any of the above call police on 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org