Police have warned van drivers and tradesmen to be wary of thieves following a spate of thefts.

Kent Police has received more than 40 reports of tool theft from vehicles since Saturday, March 1.

Six separate incidents took place in Maidstone, four in Tonbridge and Malling, three in Tunbridge Wells and two in Sevenoaks.

A further 14 took place in Medway with ten in Dartford and Gravesham, four in Swale, two in Thanet and one in Ashford.

Police say they are fighting back and have already arrested more than a dozen people suspected of stealing tools from vehicles this month.

Among those arrested is a 15 year-old boy from Margate who is due to appear at youth court on Tuesday, April 8.

He will appear for his alleged role in an incident on Monday, March 10, when a builder in Cliftonville reported a drill case missing from his van.

Chief Insp Lee Russell said: “We will continue to seek out those responsible for these crimes. However, you can help too. It assists the police if you remain vigilant and do all you can to protect your own property.

“Ask your neighbours to look out for anything suspicious and if you see anything unusual in your area then please report it to us by calling 101.”