POLICE have issued advice following a spate of thefts from vans in Andover in recent weeks.

Thieves have targeted vans parked on residential streets and in people’s driveways, with incidents reported in Roman Way, Wolversdene Road and Winchester Road, amongst other locations.

On Monday, October 7, three such thefts were reported in the space of a few hours, sometime between 5pm and 11pm.

A couple of weeks prior, CCTV footage emerged of a similar incident in which a man brazenly attempted to gain access to a van parked on a driveway in Wolversdene Road, during the early hours of Sunday, September 22.

Officers have now shared advice in a bid to help van owners reduce the risk of overnight thefts.

Police advice:

- Close all windows and ensure your vehicle is locked to avoid opportunist thefts.

- Take all personal possessions with you and do not leave items on display.

- Fit an alarm or immobiliser to your vehicle.

- Consider fitting a tool safe with a good quality lock.

- Try to park your vehicle near a building or hedge to restrict access.

- Mark tools that are stored in your vehicle with the name of your company, postcode, house/building number or name. Items that are marked are less desirable and more difficult to sell on.

- Consider registering tools on the free site www.immobilise.com

The statement from Hampshire Constabulary added: “If you see anything suspicious, contact Police on 101.

“If you witness a crime in progress, or you believe a crime is about to happen, call 999.”