DRILLS, power saws and nail guns have been stolen from vans in a spate of thefts.

Police have issued a warning after five vans were targeted in Tarring between Saturday August 2 and Monday August 4.

Goods were stolen from vans in St Andrews Road, Rectory Road, Westlake Close and Highdown Avenue.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said there were no signs of forced entry to any of the vehicles.

PCSOs have been carrying out additional patrols in the local area.

PCSO Ben Cruise, from the Adur and Worthing Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "Please make it as difficult as possible for these people to get into your vehicle.

"Always make sure to leave your vehicle secure and check that it has locked properly.

"It is always best to remove your tools from your van over night and store them somewhere safe."

Lockable cages could be fitted inside the van if removing tools were not possible, he added.

He urged people to report incidents as soon as possible to "maximise our chances of retrieving forensic evidence".

Phone 999 for live incidents or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or phone 101 if you discover it later.