Traders have been told not to leave tools in their vehicles overnight after brazen thieves broke into a number of cars and vans.

Police received reports of three incidents in recent days - two in Herne Bay and one in Whitstable.

Between 7.45pm on Wednesday, January 25 and 5.30am the following day, a window of a car parked in Tankerton Road, Whitstable, was broken and a number of tools including a Makita drill and Dewalt jigsaw were taken.

The following day, in The Broadway, Herne Bay, the rear door of a van was damaged and a number of tools including a pipe bender and a drill were swiped.

Earlier in the month, between 4.30pm on Friday, January 20 and 7.45am on Tuesday, January 24, in Vauxhall Avenue, Herne Bay, a van had its rear door damaged and tools including a Stihl grinder and a Paslode nailgun were taken.

Sgt Lee Thompson said: "The theft of tools can affect people’s livelihoods as there is an inconvenience as well as costs involved in getting them replaced.

"Thieves will take any opportunity they can to steal, so don’t even give them the chance to window-shop for your belongings.

"Vehicles should be fully secured at all times, even if left for only a brief period.

"We ask that any tools are removed from vehicles and securely stored overnight.

"Residents should remain alert and report any suspicious activity they may see on 101 or 999 if a crime is in progress."

Any witnesses are asked to contact police on 01843 222289, quoting ZY/3275/17 for the Tankerton Road incident, ZY/3359/17 for The Broadway, ZY/3181/17 for Vauxhall Avenue.