Radios, drills and angle grinders have been stolen following a string of raids on vans.

Police have launched an investigation following the three incidents between February 11 and 13 in Whitstable and Herne Bay.

Tools - including nails, jigsaws, a plainer and plasterboard gun - were swiped from a van during the first of the thefts between 4pm last Friday and 1pm on Sunday in Braid Drive, Herne Bay.

Another vehicle was broken into in nearby Steel Close, with items including a petrol hedge trimmer, a blower, Makita radio and an angle grinder being taken.

And more tools were stolen from a motor in Bennells Avenue, Whitstable, during the three-day spree.

Sgt Colette Todd is urging residents to take steps to protect their belongings from thieves.

The officer said: "Those who can, should empty their work vans at the end of a day and lock the contents securely away elsewhere.

"Keep an inventory of the tools, together with any serial numbers they have and also photograph anything valuable.

"It is advisable to get your property marked so if it is stolen, it will be difficult for criminals to sell on but easier to reunite any tools recovered by police.

"Consider parking your vehicle near CCTV and security lights to deter any potential thieves.

"We also advise anyone buying second-hand tools to question where they came from and be wary if they already have initials or other identifying marks printed on them."

Anyone with information regarding the incidents is urged to call police on 01843 222289 quoting the reference number 46/30283/22 for the Braid Drive case, 46/30169/22 for the Steel Close theft, or 46/30236/22 for the Bennells Avenue break-in.

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.