Ford Transit van owners in Swindon are being warned to be especially vigilant after a number of break-ins involving this model of vehicle.
Six Ford Transits were broken in to overnight between Monday 9 and Tuesday 10 April 2018 on Marlborough Road, Polesdon Avenue and Marlowe Avenue.
Then on Wednesday 25 April, two vans were targeted by unknown suspects – the first in B&Q’s car park at Barnfield just before midday, the second at Wickes’ car park on Gipsy Lane around 1.40pm. In these incidents, a dark coloured seven seater vehicle – similar to a Ford Galaxy – was spotted nearby.
For the majority of incidents a selection of tools and power tools were taken; the total value being approximately £10,000.
PC Sean Magee said: “We would like to speak to anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in these areas on the dates in question.
“In the first set of incidents most of the vans were parked in residential areas – perhaps near you. Did you hear of see anything?
“The second incidents took place in broad daylight in two public areas – were you at either store at lunchtime on Wednesday?
“It appears that Ford Transit vans are being targeted in this series of break-ins and we would ask owners of this type of vehicle to be extra vigilant. However, if you own any sort of van we would recommend following our crime prevention advice: Do not to leave anything of value in your vehicle; we understand it is difficult for those using a van for business but we advise everyone to remove and securely store tools especially overnight when a vehicle is more vulnerable to thieves.
“Also, make sure all tools are security marked so we can return them to their owner if recovered.
“If you have been offered power tools for sale or have seen them offered for sale online please let us know.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Sean Magee on 101. Or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where details may be left anonymously if preferred.
