A SPATE of night time raids on cars and vans in the Dunmow area has prompted Essex Police to issue a warning to motorists. A large number of tools and other valuable items were stolen from vehicles which had been parked on driveways overnight during Febr

A SPATE of night time raids on cars and vans in the Dunmow area has prompted Essex Police to issue a warning to motorists.

A large number of tools and other valuable items were stolen from vehicles which had been parked on driveways overnight during February.

Crime Reduction Advisor for Uttlesford, Peter Caulfield, said: "Essex Police advises motorists always to keep your doors and the boot locked, and to close the windows of your vehicle.

"If you have tools in your vehicle, please try to remove them before leaving your vehicle unattended. It is also worth considering investing in a van safe, and fitting deadlocks to the rear door of your van.

"One other practical measure that drivers can take is to reverse their van up a wall or other structure, so that the rear door is not accessible to thieves.

"Leaving property and valuables on display can also provide a temptation to a thief. Any type of property that is on display is vulnerable: satellite navigation systems, laptops, phones, bags, money, CDs and radios. If property is visible in an unattended vehicle a thief can quickly break the window and steal it.

"Members of the public who would like further crime prevention advice and information are welcome to call me on 0300 3334444."

Overnight on February 17 unknown suspects gained entry to a secure vehicle in Margaret Roding, Dunmow, by forcing a door which caused an estimated �100 worth of damage.

A selection of tools with an estimated value of around �1000 was stolen.

Overnight on February 1 thieves broke into a secure vehicle in Takeley by unknown means and stole a mobile phone and a satellite navigation system, with an estimated total value of around �300.

Overnight on February 9 thieves targeted a secure vehicle in Takeley. They forced open a door, causing an estimated �50 worth of damage, and stole tools with an estimated value of around �2000.

At around 4:15am on February 10 unidentified suspects gained entry to a vehicle in Stebbing by unknown means and stole tools with an estimated value of around �460.

Police are appealing for anyone with information about these crimes to contact officers at Dunmow or Saffron Walden on 0300 3334444, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.