Theft of Tools From Van

Dear Resident,

The following theft of tools from a Vauxhall van occurred on Tuesday 22/07/2025 at approximately 11:15am on KINGS AVENUE, NEW MALDEN. Victim went out to their vehicle and notice a vehicle in front which sped off, victim went to the rear of their vehicle and the doors were open, several tools had been stolen and there was a drill hole in one of the doors, the vehicle that sped off was grey in colour, had blacked out rear windows, the last 3 digits on the number plate was EMA, there were 2 occupants.

If you have any CCTV footage (including video doorbell) and notice anyone acting suspiciously in the area and have any information about the offenders, please contact the police on the non-emergency number 101 quoting occurrence ref: 01/7773097/25 Alternatively you could call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. You don’t have to leave your name.

Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself and your property:

If you have a lot of tools (which you probably do) if you’re able to take just some of your most precious tools into the home with you at night it will help prevent them getting into the hands of criminals.

Fit a safe into your van 🔒

Should a thief make their way into your van then having an additional layer of protection, in the form of a safe, could help to prevent them from stealing your tools.

Mark your tools 🛠️

Applying police-approved forensic marking solution – which becomes visible under UV light – to your tools can help to deter thieves. Avoid leaving tools in the van overnight whenever possible.

Invest in a steering lock 🔒

For some thieves, it’s not enough to get away with the tools, they’ll target the van too. Fitting a steering lock whenever you leave your van (day and night) will help to prevent any thieves from getting away with the van.

Fit van lock protection plates 🔒

In some cases, thieves will aim to drill their way through the locks of the van and simply fitting protection plates around the locks, which can be relatively inexpensive, around the locks can be enough to prevent someone from gaining access to the van. Add barriers to windows and between the cabin and the back of the van.
 

Van Alarm  

Use alarm systems with motion sensors.

Additional Locks 

Install additional locks like deadbolts and puck locks.
 

Remember to insure your tools 🛠️

No tradesperson wants to think about their tools being stolen but the statistics show that van tool theft is unfortunately an ever-growing concern for tradespeople. So, making sure that your covered will help you get replacement tools so that you can get back to work sooner rather than later. As well as taking out insurance, it’s important to remember to hold onto receipts when you buy any new tools. That way you have hard proof of the tools that have been stolen.  Keep an inventory of all your tools, including serial numbers and photos.

 You should call 999 if you or someone else is in immediate danger.

 Report by calling 101 for non - emergency or Online https://www.met.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/

Please do not use MET Engage Alert to report a crime or something else that requires police attention as we are unable to log details via this system.

Kind Regards,

Police Staff Wayne Griffith 

Norbiton, Coombe Vale, New Malden Village Cluster Safer Neighbourhood Team