Attempted Thefts Prompt Tradesman Warning

Police in Fife are urging van owners to remove tools and expensive equipment following a series of break-ins.

Several incidents have been reported in the Coaltown area of Balgonie where works vans have been targeted for tools.

The first incident happened overnight on Wednesday, January 21 Millburn Avenue, while the second occurred overnight on Thursday, January 22, on Lady Nina Square.

Police are advising members of the public to:

·       Always lock your vehicles and make sure that windows are fully closed. 
·       Don’t leave items on display, lock away tools out of sight and black out windows to prevent window shopping. 
·       Property mark tools and equipment with your house name/number and postcode. 
·       Use an immobiliser and fit an alarm to the vehicle. 
·       Ensure the vehicle is fitted with a robust lock. 
·       Remove equipment and tools from your vehicle overnight, mark on your vehicle ‘no tools left in vehicle overnight’.

·       Park in a garage, on a driveway or in a well lit area at night.

Community Sergeant Kenny Greig said: “I am urging members of the public to call police should they witness people acting suspiciously around vehicles or have any information in relation to these crimes. Various tools have been stolen such as saws and drills made by various manufacturers including Dewalt, Makita and Husqvarna.

“Unusually it appears that the vehicles were secure at the time of the offences and I would urge owners to remove valuable items even when locking the vehicles and when parking up overnight.”

Anybody with information regarding these crimes can contact Police on 101, anonymously if they wish or by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.