Search to reunite tools from stolen van with rightful owners

A large number of tools have been recovered from a stolen van in Ashton and police officers are hoping to reunite them with their owners. The equipment was recovered from a Ford Transit van in Buttercup Walk, Ashton on Saturday, November 25, Avon and Somerset Police said. Some of the tools which had identifying marks have already been returned to their owners, the force has said, but the remaining items do not have these.

Officers are appealing for anyone who has had tools stolen to get in touch. Avon and Somerset Police are also appealing for information in connection to the thefts. If you have any CCTV footage which may help the investigation, then please call 101, quoting reference 5223288828.

Tradespeople are reminded to remove tools from their vehicles and ensure they are secure overnight and at weekends. The police force also recommend fitting an alarm to the car if it does not have one and not to leave anything of value which can be seen from the outside. Consider locking it in the boot of the vehicle but ideally remove all items from the vehicle.

Similarly, owners of vans are advised not to leave expensive power tools in their vehicle overnight or at the weekend, when not at work.

If they feel the need to leave items in the vehicles, then they should consider fitting specialist floor-mounted safes and secure storage boxes.

Avon and Somerset Police also advise security marking as well as taking photos of their tools and equipment.