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Do you own a van? Thames Valley Police say criminals often target vans parked in areas such as hotels, supermarkets and retail outlet car parks.
ALSO READ: 7 tips from Thames Valley Police on how to prevent your car from being stolen
They have given some advice on how to keep your van secure and protect your tools:
- Mark your tools
- Take a photo of the serial number or identifying marks
- Use a unique tamperproof sticker
- Engrave tools with your initials or a memorable word
- Use an ultraviolet pen
- Register your tools and serial numbers on a national property recording database such as Immobilise
- Make sure your van is locked with the windows shut when it's left unattended
- Install a dashcam, CCTV camera or alarm to deter criminals from targetting your van
- Park your van overnight in a busy, well-lit area backed against or alongside a wall to make it difficult to gain access to the back of your van
- Use extra locks or cages such as dead locks or slam locks
- Install security cages inside your van so that even if someone gains access, they still can't get to your tools
- Empty your van of tools overnight
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