Several thefts on work vans in Barry and St Athan areas

South Wales Police are warning traders to be wary after a spate of thefts, particularly in Barry and St Athan.

The recent thefts are being investigated.

The force has given traders advice how to reduce the chance of them being hit by crime.

A South Wales Police spokesperson said: “Several work vans in St Athan and Barry have been broken into this week.

“Thieves are targeting the vans for tools.

“We understand that having your van or work vehicle stolen, broken into and contents stolen can be very distressing. These recent thefts are being investigated.

“When you’re parking your van, even for short periods, please think carefully about where you are stopping.

“Parking with the rear or side doors against a wall or very sturdy railings will help to ensure that they can’t be prised open.”

Other advice from the police includes; Don't leave valuables on show, hide keys and fobs, lock doors and close windows, install a tracker, use physical security, and fit a garage alarm.

Security advice to prevent theft and crime on vans

1. When you're parking your van, even for short periods at the builders’ merchants, a café or on a job, you should think carefully about where you are stopping. Parking with the rear or side doors against a wall or very sturdy railings will help to ensure that they can't be prised open.
2. Where possible, make sure you park in well-lit areas with lots of foot traffic, and ideally with CCTV cameras insight or where you can see your vehicle from where you are working.
3. Fit a secure van vault in the rear for expensive power tools.
4. Tools are often recovered by the police but frustratingly the police are unable to trace the owner. Security marking your tools using an SBD recognised forensic asset marking or etching kit is another highly effective, visible deterrent to thieves and an established method of reducing theft.
5. Where possible, make sure you park in well-lit areas with lots of foot traffic, and ideally with CCTV cameras insight or where you can see your vehicle from where you are working.
6. Tools and other property can be registered on an SBD approved Tool and Asset databases, these systems can assist the Police to trace stolen property back to the owner and importantly prove it was stolen.
7. Advertise the fact you use a security system for your van and tools with a sticker on the vehicle. consider using a battery-operated GSM mobile alert system and camera which can alert you to anything suspicious.
8. Tracking systems can be used for larger tools. Many systems are battery operated and activate once the item is stolen and track the car via GPS and other systems. SBD have several members which specialise in this area and can advise on the best system and fitting of the product for your vehicle type.
9. Remove tools from your van when left overnight and store them in a safe place.
10. If you are parking your vehicle on the street overnight, consider parking it under or near a street light. The opportunistic criminal does not want to be seen or caught and this simple tip may just protect your van, not only from theft but, someone causing criminal damage to your vehicle.