POLICE have issued security advice after receiving numerous reports of vehicle break-ins across the Andover area in the last two weeks.

Since Wednesday, 25 October, officers have been investigating 16 reports of thefts from vehicles, mainly tools from vans, in residential areas of the town.

Incidents occurred in Caesar Close, West Way, Harrow Way, Dunmow Road, Bridle Close, Picket Twenty Way, Burnhams Close, Borkum Close, Salisbury Road, Corunna Main, Colenzo Drive, Valencia Way and Pilgrims Way.

A similar report was received from The Milsons in Stockbridge.

Hampshire Police has now issued the following security advice, particularly to workmen with vans:

• park your vehicle in a secure area (in a garage or behind locked gates, if possible)

• if you can’t, park in a well-lit street in easy view of your own or neighbours’ houses

• remove valuable items from the vehicle overnight and store them in a secure place

• do not leave tools or equipment on view inside the vehicle

• consider fitting an appropriate alarm system, protecting the cabin and load areas

• ensure that the van doors are securely lockable and consider having suitable deadlocks installed.