VANS are being targeted by thieves in Basingstoke and Deane as police have recently received a number of reports of goods stolen from vehicles.

Officers have reported many of the thefts have been overnight, targeting vans where tools have been stolen.

There have been some break-in during the day time, predominantly from insecure vehicles or where valuable / desirable property has been left on view.

One victim reported after he had unlocked his van when he returned to it, someone opened the sliding door on the opposite side of the van, reached in and stole a chain saw from inside, getting into an adjacent vehicle and left the scene.

PC Neil Piper of Basingstoke CID said: “This sort of thing is very unusual but shows how brazen some people can be and how quickly some things can happen.

“Please be careful if you are Christmas shopping that you don't leave anything valuable on view. That your vehicle is locked and if possible, left in a well-lit secure area.

“If you have a van that you store tools in, consider investing in an alarm. Make sure the van is locked and any valuable tools are clearly and permanently marked with your name or post code.”

In anyone has been a victim of a vehicle break-in or has any information about one they should contact Basingstoke CID on 101.