Crime prevention advice issued following theft from vehicle series in New Forest

We are issuing the below crime prevention advice following a recent theft from vehicle series in Ringwood, Fordingbridge, New Milton and Sway.

Nine incidents were reported overnight between Friday 17 October and Saturday 18 October.

The majority of the incidents, seven of which occurred in the Ringwood and Fordingbridge areas, are said to have occurred between 2am and 3.30am.

Six of the thefts were from vans, with locks forced in order to gain entry to the vehicles. Tools were subsequently stolen, including STIHL and Makita power tools.

Officers are investigating the incidents and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the series.

We will do our best to keep you all updated on any developments, where possible.

In the meantime, please take a moment to read and share the below important information and advice.

If you witness any suspicious vehicle-related activity where you live, please report it via 101, or by calling 999 if a crime is in progress.

•    Tools in trade and company vehicles are regularly targeted by thieves, as they are expensive and easy to sell on.
•    The cost of tool theft can be devastatingly expensive, not to mention the inconvenience of replacing the tools and the loss of trade. 
•    Tools are often recovered by the police, but they are unable to trace the owner. 
•    Security marking your tools using a Secured By Design recognised forensic asset marking or etching kit is an effective, visible deterrent to thieves. 
•    Register your tools for free on the UK national property register The National Property Register, for Phones, Gadgets, Bicycles & More... 
•    Keep a list of your tools on Immobilise, including photographs and serial numbers. 
•    This can assist the police with tracing stolen property back to the rightful owner and prove it was stolen.