Crime prevention advice issued after series of thefts from vans across Hampshire.

Detectives investigating a series of thefts of tools from vans across a large area of Hampshire are issuing crime prevention advice.

Following detailed enquiries that have potentially identified vehicles involved in the series that are using stolen number plates, officers are now in a position to ask for the public’s help to progress our investigation.

Since 13 August 72 thefts of tools from vans have been reported to us that may be linked to an organised crime group (OCG). These are primarily concentrated around the east of the county and up the A3 corridor and take place when it’s dark in the evenings or overnight.

Locations include:

• Jervis Drive, Gosport.
• Grevillea Avenue, Fareham.
• Eastern Road, Portsmouth.
• Langstone Technology Park.
• Woodbury Avenue, Havant.
• Spencer Road, Emsworth.
• Hurstville Drive, Waterlooville.
• Merchistoun Road, Horndean.
• York Close, Petersfield.
• Benhams Lane, Greatham.
• Midhurst Road, Liphook.
• Lucia Park, Bordon.
• Vicarage Hill, Alton.
• Fleet Road, Fleet.
• Haglane Copse, Pennington.

This issue of thefts of tools from vans has now been made a priority for officers in the east of the county, and part of our response will include proactive patrols in hotspot areas.

We are especially keen to hear from anyone who sees vehicles acting suspiciously in the areas affected, or who has had their numberplates stolen.

If you have any information about these incidents, please don’t post this online, report it to us here instead: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/ or via the 101 number, quoting 44230391471 – Operation Boromir.

We’d like to remind van owners of the following advice. Please share this with professional groups and contacts you may have, especially if you are self-employed tradespeople in the areas affected:

• Wherever possible remove your tools from your vehicle and store securely overnight.
• Mark the tools clearly with your name/company name and address using paint pens and seal with a clear lacquer spay. Other property marking systems are available.
• Use a lockable cabinet within your van to store the tools during the day.
• Use a small camera designed to record within vehicles.
• Take photographs of items of value, making a note of the serial numbers and registering them online at a property register site.

For more general advice about preventing thefts from vehicles, see here: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/keeping-vehicles-safe/vehicle-safe-and-sound/