The Mendip Neighbourhood Police Team has reported an alarming spike in the theft of tools from vans in the Mendip area.

The police are actively addressing the issue and urging the public to take precautions to help prevent these thefts.

In response to the recent incidents, the police have issued advice on how residents and business owners can protect their property. Among the suggestions are:

• Locking all doors when away from the van and taking keys.
• Marking tools with identifiable methods, such as SelectaDNA.
• Registering serial numbers for free.
• Keeping tools inside a secure storage cage or box anchored within the vehicle.
• Setting vehicle alarms and parking in secure locations to make access more difficult.
• Utilising trackable devices on valuable tools.

Mendip Police are offering advice and actively patrolling the area, following up with CCTV inquiries, and investigating any actionable intelligence.

A police spokesperson said: "The recent spike in tool thefts from vans is concerning, and we're committed to taking robust action. We encourage the community to follow crime prevention advice and report any suspicious activity. Our teams continue to provide high visibility patrols, and we're working to track down those responsible."

The police also encouraged anyone with information to send it anonymously through Crimestoppers, an independent charity that allows the public to report crimes.

Local van owners and tradespeople are urged to be vigilant, follow the police guidelines, and reach out with any information that may assist in these investigations.

Those wishing to mark their tools with SelectaDNA can find more information here, and free registration of serial numbers can be done here.