People are being urged to be vigilant after a number of thefts from vans.

A total of three vehicles were targeted between March 20-27 with power tools stolen in Folkestone and New Romney.

Tools, valued at about £5,000, were reported stolen from a works van parked on the driveway of a house in Ashford Road, New Romney, between 11pm on March 20 and 6.30am the following day. They included a nail gun and electric sander.

The same night an attempt was made to force open the rear doors of a Toyota Hiace parked on the driveway of a house in Rolfe Lane, New Romney. Two people seen running from the scene made off in a vehicle.

More tools worth £7,500 have been reported stolen from a white Ford Transit van while it was parked in Marine Crescent, Folkestone, between 7pm on March 26 and 6am the following day.

Sergeant Greg Pochin of the Shepway Community Safety Unit said valuables left in cars can be an "open invitation" to crooks.

"We are urging people to be extra vigilant and if they see anyone acting suspiciously around vehicles to call us on 101 or 999 if a crime is in progress.

"We would also like to remind people not to leave valuables in their vehicles as these can be an open invitation to opportunist thieves,’ she said.

Anyone with information about the thefts is asked to contact Kent Police on 01843 222289 or Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting reference ZY/15484/18 for the Marine Crescent incident, ZY/14323/18 for the Rolfe Lane incident or ZY/14234/18 for the Ashford Road incident.

Police have issued a number of steps you can take to reduce your chances of becoming a victim of crime.

· Ensure all doors and windows are locked.

· Park in a secure, well-lit area.

· Don’t leave items on display and remove valuable items, including tools, overnight.

· Ensure your vehicle's alarm or immobiliser is switched on, if you have one.

· Don’t leave keys visible from outside your home.

· List valuables such as sat navs on www.immobilise.com. This is a free service that helps officers return stolen items if they have been found or seized.

· Security mark items so they can be identified when found or seized.