Van owners are being urged to remove valuable items from their vehicles to deter opportunist thieves.

The advice from Kent Police comes after a number of reported overnight thefts in Tunbridge Wells during the past week.

At the weekend power tools were reported stolen from the rear of a van in Ramslye Road, while further tools were targeted in a vehicle parked in Boyne Park.

Police were also called by a victim who had a strimmer, hedge trimmer and leaf blower stolen overnight from a secure box on a truck parked in Horsmonden earlier this week.

Ch Insp Rachael Cumberland said: "We suspect opportunist thieves may be visiting the area during the hours of darkness looking for works vehicles which may have expensive power tools in the rear.

"While we are investigating these offences, I would urge van drivers to make sure you lock all doors and close windows whenever you leave the vehicle. Never leave anything valuable on display and if possible remove it overnight. If feasible, park in a garage, secure car park or well-lit area.

"My officers continue to patrol these areas at vulnerable times and I would urge anybody who sees someone on foot or in a vehicle acting suspiciously to contact us."

Anyone with information about the thefts is asked to call 01622 604100 quoting reference 46/160250/20

Read more: All the latest news from Tunbridge Wells