Builders and other tradesmen are being warned not to leave valuable tools in their vans overnight following a spate of vehicle break-ins.
A number of vehicles have been targeted in the Lancaster, Morecambe and Wyre areas of the county, with items including Makita and De Walt top-of-the-range tools being taken.
Detective Sergeant Simon Balderstone, Lancaster police, said: “If a thief can see an expensive piece of equipment has been left in a van they know it is easy money for them. Even if tools are out of sight, a determined criminal may still break in to a vehicle to see what they can find inside.
“Having tools stolen can set tradesmen back financially – not just because they have to pay to replace the items but because they may also lose out on a day’s work. We are advising people to remove anything of value from vehicles when they leave them overnight and to ensure they close windows and lock doors each time they get out of their van.”
Anyone with information about tool thefts can contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency always dial 999.