Police are warning Dartford residents to be vigilant about locking their vehicles and keeping valuables out of sight following a series of thefts of tools from vans.

Detectives are investigating incidents, which took place during daylight and in public.

Investigating officer DS Sallie Baisley said: ‘We are taking these offences seriously and have a number of lines of enquiry to follow up, so I’d like to reassure the public everything possible is being done to bring the offenders to justice.

"I would remind drivers to ensure they lock their vehicles when leaving them alone – even for a few minutes – and would encourage them either to ensure all valuables, including work equipment and tools, are either not on display or, better yet, taken out of the vehicle when it is to be left for a prolonged period of time.

"There are a number of options available for protecting your property, including security marking it so it is easy to identify and return if found.’
More information on keeping property safe can be found at http://www.kent.police.uk/advice/property_security/property/pyp.html.

Anybody with any information on the below thefts is asked to call 101, quoting the crime reference number, or contact Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Tools stolen from a van parked in Heath Lane between 1pm and 1.05pm on March 4 – crime reference XY/6942/13
Tools stolen from a van parked in Darenth Park Avenue between 10am and 10.36am on 4 March – crime reference XY/6906/13
Tools stolen from a van parked in Darenth park Avenue between 10am and 10.35am on 4 March – crime reference XY/6911/13
Tools stolen from a van parked in Cotton Lane between 7.30am and 6pm on 27 February – crime reference XY/6612/13
Tools stolen from a van parked in Cotton Lane between 2pm and 6pm on 27 February – crime reference XY/6610/13