Police investigate series of van thefts
Police officers are investigating a series of van thefts in Lincolnshire.
Around 60 incidents have been recorded in the last 12 months, say Lincolnshire Police, and keyless vans are being targeted around Lincoln and surrounding rural areas.
Incidents have been reported around Lincoln and into West Lindsey, North and South Kesteven, with some vans being found burnt out with their engines stripped.
A police spokesperson said: “It is believed that in some reported cases, offenders may be using other vehicles to look for vans, so we'd like to urge residents to remain vigilant and take extra precautions to keep their vehicles safe. We'd also encourage people to report any suspicious sightings of people and cars to Lincolnshire Police.
“We continue to pursue all lines of enquiry to bring those responsible to justice.”
The force has recommended a number of preventative measures for car and van owners:
Keep the keys safe
Ensure your keys are out of view when at home. It’s not uncommon for car keys to be stolen from inside your home by thieves fishing for them with a stick and hook through the letterbox, so ensure they are kept from your front door.
If you have a car with keyless entry, make sure the key is well away from the car. If you have access to one, keep your keys inside a Faraday Bag or a signal-blocking pouch.
Park in well-lit areas
It’s always advisable to avoid parking in dark and secluded areas.
Lock your vehicle
Locking your vehicle, even when filling up with fuel or parked on your drive, greatly reduces the possibility of it being targeted by an opportunist thief. Even if you have locked your vehicle, check you haven’t left any windows or the sunroof open.
Fit good in-car security locks
Additional physical security like steering wheel locks, pedal boxes and gear stick locks can help to prevent your vehicle being driven away even if a thief gains entry.
Watch out for illegal tow trucks
Thieves often attempt to lift vehicles from the street, literally. So, if you see a towaway crew acting suspiciously – especially if their vehicle isn’t branded or if they’re not in uniform – then report it immediately.