Rise in Local Thefts Prompts Police Warning - Lukasz Kolasinski 70901 - Police Community Support Officer
Dear Parishes,
Police are appealing to residents and businesses to remain vigilant following a recent increase in thefts from commercial vans, sheds, garages and other outbuildings. Offenders are targeting valuable tools, power tools, chainsaws, garden machinery and other equipment. These offences can have a significant financial impact on tradespeople, businesses and homeowners.
Please take steps to protect your property:
Remove tools and equipment from vans overnight wherever possible.
Park vehicles in secure, well-lit locations and consider additional vehicle security.
Ensure sheds, garages and outbuildings are secured with high-quality locks.
Install security lighting, alarms and, where possible, CCTV systems to deter offenders and capture evidence.
Register and property-mark valuable tools and equipment to make them easier to identify and recover if stolen.
CCTV can play a vital role in preventing and solving crime. If you have CCTV, doorbell cameras or dashcams, ensure they are working correctly, positioned to cover vulnerable areas and that footage is retained where possible. Even footage that appears insignificant could provide valuable evidence and help identify those responsible.
Tips on how to secure your shed-garage-
https://www.wiltshire.police.uk/.../secure-shed-garage/
Tips on how to secure your vehicle/van-
https://www.wiltshire.police.uk/.../vehicle-safe-and-sound/
Please report all suspicious activity to police. Prompt reporting helps officers identify crime patterns, deploy resources effectively and prevent further offences. If you see suspicious people, vehicles or behaviour in your area, report it without delay by calling 101 or using your local police online reporting service. If a crime is taking place or there is an immediate risk to life or property, always call 999.
By working together, remaining vigilant and taking simple security measures, we can help protect our homes, businesses and local communities from opportunist thieves.
Kind regards,
Lukasz Kolasinski 70901
Police Community Support Officer