THIEVES broke into a van and stole power tools worth up to £5,000 in Blunsdon St Andrew.

Between 1am and 3.30am on Saturday morning, the offenders ransacked the van which was parked on Flora Close.

Police are appealing for witnesses and have released images of a man and a van related to the incident.

PC Chris Hemns said: "I'm appealing for anyone who may have heard or seen something suspicious in this area between these times to come forward.

"This is a residential part of town close to the busy road of Ermin Street so someone must have noticed something suspicious.

"If you were driving in that area that evening and perhaps have dash cam footage or you recognise the man in the image please call me.

“Incidents of this nature can be really upsetting for the victim and also very inconvenient – victims could be prevented from working due to the loss of tools.

“I’d like to encourage all van owners to ensure all expensive tools are removed from vehicles overnight where possible.

"Park vehicles on driveways or well-lit areas, fit van alarms, and mark tools with your postcode using distinctive paint.

"Please also record serial numbers of tools and keep the list away from your van to help reduce your risk of falling victim to this type of crime.”

Anyone with information in relation to this incident should call PC Chris Hemns on 101 quoting crime reference number 54180101880 or call anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.