THE police are warning van owners to make sure their vehicles are secured and all tools and valuable items are removed each night.
The warnings come after a county-wide rise in transit vans being broken into for their contents.
Superintendent Eddie Murphy said: "We're seeing a spike in attacks on vans across South Yorkshire. A number have been broken into and work tools stolen.
"These are expensive items and obviously have an effect on the owner who will need them for their employment.
"We ask that owners take necessary safety precautions. Such vehicles should have alarms fitted and, if possible, items should not be left in the vehicle overnight.
"I fully understand that this is not always easy but the inconvenience and cost of having to buy new tools and repairing your vehicle means that it will be worth it in the long run.
"We also need people to tell us if they know of such items being sold on. Remember, if someone offers you a cheap drill then it's more than likely stolen.
"People only steal if they know they can sell items on."
Phone South Yorkshire Police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 if you have any information.
