Van drivers are being warned to take extra care in securing their vehicles in St Albans as a spate of thefts, particularly of tools, has continued unabated.

Extra police patrols are being put on to help deter and tackle crime from vehicles in Colney Heath and London Colney.

There have been eight such thefts within the villages over the past fortnight.

A spokeswoman for Herts Police said a driver discovered last Tuesday (17) that thieves had forced entry into his van, parked on Russet Drive, and stolen power tools.

And diesel was siphoned from a van in Barley Mow Lane last Wednesday (18).

Further thefts of power tools, by forced entry into vans, occurred over the weekend including from Caledon Road in London Colney, between 11am on Saturday (21) and 6.45am on Sunday.

In Wyedale, also in London Colney, a thief broke into a van between 1am-10.40am on Sunday to steal power tools.

And in Roestock Lane in Colney Heath, power tools were stolen between 9pm on Saturday (21) and 7.45am on Sunday.

Just a fortnight ago power tools, plumbing equipment and cash were among various items stolen from three vans in Colney Heath overnight from March 10-11.

The first incident took place in Fellowes Lane, when thieves broke into a locked white Ford Transit van and stole power tools.

In nearby Admirals Close, offenders broke into another white Ford Transit van by forcing open the vehicle’s sliding doors.

Power tools and plumbing equipment were taken.

A red Ford Transit van in Wistlea Crescent was broken into with power tools and a small amount of cash taken.

St Albans safer neighbourhood team inspector Adam Such said: “This is an unusual level of vehicle crime for Colney Heath, and we are putting on extra patrols to tackle the problem.

“But van owners need to be on their guard. The message is clear – don’t leave anything in your vehicle at any time and keep your vehicle secure.

“We want residents to keep a lookout for anyone behaving suspiciously as someone may have heard or seen something unusual happening.”

St Albans district councillor for Colney Heath Chris Brazier said: “It’s very unusual for the area. And it is a serious crime for workers who rely on their tools.”

Herts Police advise people to ensure doors are locked and windows shut whenever they leave their vehicles unattended.

Also, use an approved steering lock or gear clamp and remember to set your immobiliser and alarm if you have them.

If you have information about these vehicle crimes, call non-emergency number 101.

And if you hear or see something suspicious happening, ring 999 immediately.

You can register your tools and other property on www.immobilise.com for free.