Men arrested in Leicester after van tool theft crime spree

Three men have been arrested in east Leicester after a series of tool thefts from vans[1]. Police said the offences spanned multiple counties, with vehicles also stolen as part of the incidents. The arrests were carried out this morning in response to a series of thefts and attempted thefts from vans last month.

The incidents include one which took place in Stathern, near Melton[2], in the early hours of Thursday, November 16, when a van was broken into and power tools were stolen. Similar offences are believed to have been committed in Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Herefordshire. A blue Seat Leon, which police alleged was stolen and being driven on false registration plates, was recovered from Scraptoft as part of the investigation.

Leicestershire Police said it had also recovered a number of power tools while searching a property in Scraptoft's Briarfield Drive. A 29-year-old man and two 22-year-old men have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to steal[4] between Tuesday, October 24, and Monday, November 27. They remain in custody.

Investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Chris Gamble called on van owners to act carefully to prevent falling victim. He said: "We know the impact it has when tools used by tradespeople to earn a living are stolen. "These offences often happen overnight when the van is parked up, and can happen in a matter of minutes.

Tackling crime of this kind is a priority for the force, and we will continue to investigate reports and carry out enforcement activity to target those who commit these offences. "Where possible we would encourage anyone carrying tools to remove them from their vehicles overnight. If this is not possible, try to park your van on a lit driveway or a well-lit street and close to other vehicles.

The use of alarms and CCTV can also be a good deterrent for opportunistic thieves."

References

1. ^ tool thefts from vans (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
2. ^ Melton (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
3. ^ Kirkby Mallory driver flipped company car onto canal path in crash after late night drinking (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
4. ^ suspicion of conspiracy to steal (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)