A 28-year-old man who had power tools stolen from his van believes something must be done to crack down on the amount of vehicle break-ins in the area.

Martyn Schofield, who lives in Oakhill in Letchworth, was stunned to discover that thieves had broken into his Ford Transit overnight on Monday, October 12, and made off with more than a thousand pounds worth of branded tools.

Martyn, who works for Grace Improvements in Letchworth, said: “When I discovered it I was absolutely gutted. It was sort of unreal that it had happened.

“My friend’s Ford Transit was broken into in the Jackmans Estate last year so it seems like people are targeting vans to steal tools.

“It’s not just having your tools stolen, it’s the amount of time you have to spend sorting it out, replacing the tools and the cancelled jobs.”

As well as a Ford Transit in Townley which was broken into on the same night, there have also been thefts from vans in Baldock and Hitchin over the past six months.

PCSO Martin Barringer said: “We are currently linking these incidents and are appealing for anyone who has any information to contact us.

“It is believed the people responsible for the break-ins may have been travelling in a small red car and I would urge anyone who thinks they may have spotted a vehicle matching this descriptio to get in touch.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to remind drivers about keeping their vehicles secure to help prevent them being targeted by thieves.

“I would strongly encourage drivers to remove all tools and other valuables from vans overnight and fit additional door locks.”

Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact police via the non-emergency number 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.