TOOLS were stolen overnight last night from a BT van parked up in a village.

Between 9pm last night (Saturday) and 10am this morning, the rear of a BT van parked in King John Road, Kingsclere, was broken in to and several tools stolen.

Anyone with any information about the theft is asked to call, quoting the reference number 44170321949.

As a result of the theft, Hampshire police have also issued vehicle crime prevention tips which include:

-Parking vehicles in a secure area (in a garage or behind locked gates, if possible). If this is not possible, park in a well-lit street in easy view of your own or neighbours’ houses.

-Where possible, remove valuable items from vehicles overnight and store them in a secure place.

-Do not leave tools or equipment on view inside vehicles.

-Consider fitting an alarm system, protecting the cabin and load areas of vehicles.

-Apply a security marking product to power tools and equipment. Or etch or emboss identifiable marks to these items.

-Consider installing secure storage containers or lockers in vans to store tools in.

-Ensure van doors are securely lockable and consider having suitable deadlocks installed.

-Make sure to physically check that vehicle doors and windows are locked if a remote has been used to lock the vehicle.

-When visiting businesses, try to park close to the entrance and preferably in the view of CCTV.