Caravan Insurance

Officers in Surrey are worried van drivers are ignoring warnings to remove equipment from their vehicles and leaving themselves susceptible to crime as a result.

After a spate of thefts across the east Surrey area back in June, police there advised van drivers to remove all tools from their vehicle while it is not in use, or else leave themselves vulnerable to thefts that could impair their business's operations.

However, after three vans in Fetcham and one in North Holmwood were targeted by thieves in the space of one night in mid-August, officers are now reiterating the need for drivers not to leave valuables in their vans and other vehicles.

PC Mike Bessent, crime prevention advisor for the Mole Valley region, warned: "The message from Surrey Police is very simple: take it or lose it.

"Never leave valuables in your vehicle under any circumstances. This may seem like a harsh message but we are trying to make people stop to think about their security and ultimately save them the inconvenience of having their car broken into."

One of the break-ins saw more than £11,000 worth of goods stolen from a van, including very expensive solar panelling, as well as a mobile phone, a satellite navigation system and a digital camera.

Satellite navigation systems are a particular concern, with PC Bessent urging drivers to remove them from their vehicle, as well as all signs of their having been there at all, as these devices are particularly popular with thieves.