A couple from Dover are warning others to stay vigilant after at least £2,000 worth of tools were stolen from a van outside their home last week.

Gary Lowden, 35, of Elms Vale Road, had his window fitting tools stolen out of his van late on Friday night or the early hours of Saturday morning.

There were no signs of a break-in which meant Mr Lowden didn’t realise the tools had been taken until after he had driven the vehicle.

It is believed the thieves copied the key fob which unlocked the van and then took a Bosch drill worth £350, a Mikita drill worth £700 and a saw worth £300, as well as leads, and other items. The thieves left the whole van empty.

Mr Lowden’s wife Sarah, who works for Kent County Council, said: “He’s been building up those tools since he was a teenager. We don’t have the money to replace them but we have to so he can work.

“There’s a lamp post just above the van right outside and the security light hadn’t worked for months then we had a new one a week earlier. He is religious in the sense that he will not go to bed without opening the front door and pushing the button to check the van is locked.

“It’s just awful and so worrying thinking they may come back.”

The couple have been told police can not conduct a forensic investigation on the van because Mr Lowden drove it and his prints will be there.

The couple are now warning others to say vigilant and also to keep an eye out for similar tools being sold, which could be the stolen goods.

Mrs Lowden said they are not the only ones affected by this as there is a dedicated Facebook site called Stolen Trade Tools UK which reports similar incidents.

A spokesman for Kent Police said: “Police are investigating after reports that a Citroen Relay van parked in Elms Vale Road, Dover, was broken into between 1.30am and 9.30am on Saturday, January 30.

“If anyone saw the incident or has since been offered similar items for sale they are asked to phone Kent Police on 01843 222289 or Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting reference ZY/3249/16.”