Almost 50 thefts of tools from vans and thefts from cars have been reported in Stevenage in the past month and police want people to work with them to help catch the culprits.

Police believe organised thieves operating from outside of the area may be responsible for the crime spike.

In Stevenage the thefts happened in two separate spates on September 20 to 21 and October 19 to 20. The majority of crimes happened in the St Nicholas and Bedwell areas.

Chief Inspector Tannis Perks said the thefts are mainly due to people breaking into tradesmen’s vans parked in quiet streets and stealing often valuable tools which can have a serious impact on people’s livelihoods.

A spike has also been detected in break-ins to unlocked cars where moveable items including iPods, mobile phones and sun glasses are stolen.

If the car is locked offenders are often using devices which interfere with the locking system to get in.

Police are encouraging tradespeople to store tools and other equipment in a safe and secure place overnight, and not to leave them inside their vehicles.

Drivers are being urged to lock their cars and park them in a secure place.

CI Perks said people should get in touch with the police straight away by calling 101 if they see anything suspicious or are a victim of thefts.