Reminder to remove valuables from vans following thefts in Whitstable and Herne Bay

People are being urged to remove valuables from their vans following thefts in the Whitstable and Herne Bay areas.

Kent Police is investigating three reports of tools stolen from vehicles between 11 and 14 February and officers would like to speak to anyone with private CCTV in any of the areas.

In Braid Drive, Herne Bay, between 4pm on Friday 11 February 2022 and 1pm on Sunday 13 February, tools including nails, jigsaws, a plainer, a chop saw, and a plasterboard gun were taken from a van.

Between 7pm on Sunday 13 February 2022 and 7.30am the following morning, a vehicle parked in Steel Close, Herne Bay, was broken into and tools including a petrol hedge trimmer, a blower, a Makita radio, two Makita drills, and an angle grinder were stolen.

Between 8pm on Sunday 13 February and 3.30pm the following afternoon, a vehicle was damaged in Bennells Avenue, Whitstable and a circular saw, an impact driver and drill as well as chargers and batteries were stolen.

Sergeant Colette Todd from the Canterbury Community Safety Unit urged people to take steps to protect their belongings from thieves.

She said: ‘Those who can, should empty their work vans at the end of a day and lock the contents securely away elsewhere. Keep an inventory of the tools, together with any serial numbers they have and also photograph anything valuable.

‘It is advisable to get your property marked so if it is stolen, it will be difficult for criminals to sell on but easier to reunite any tools recovered by police.’

‘Consider parking your vehicle near CCTV and security lights to deter any potential thieves.

‘We also advise anyone buying second-hand tools to question where they came from and be wary if they already have initials or other identifying marks printed on them.’

Can you help?

Anyone with information regarding the thefts are asked to call Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting 46/30283/22 (for Braid Drive), 46/30169/22 (Steel Close), or 46/30236/22 (Bennells Avenue).

You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete the online form available here.