Torbay police are appealing to owners of work vans to ensure that they remove all tools and valuables from their vehicles overnight.
The warning follows a recent spate of thefts from commercial vans, especially around the Watcombe area of Torquay.
In one case more than £1,400 of power tools were stolen from a van parked on a driveway after the thief cut the rubber seal of the vehicle window.
Sergeant Steve Shepherd, crime manager for Torbay, said: “We are seeing more and more work vans targeted where high value power tools have been left in vehicles overnight.
“Thefts such as these can have a massive impact on people’s businesses. It is not just the value of the tools being stolen but higher insurance premiums, vehicles being off the road for repairs and the loss of income while tools are being replaced.
“We would urge all business owners to ensure their company vehicles are locked and valuables removed overnight to help reduce such thefts.”
If you have any information to assist police with this investigation please ring 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, quoting crime number CR/110972/14.
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