Thousands of pounds of electrical tools were stolen in a series of vehicle break-ins.

Police last night urged tradesmen to remove tools and to step up security.

Eight vans were broken into in the North Bersted area of Bognor early on Wednesday morning.

The vehicles were parked in St Clares Gardens, Bedford Avenue, Central Avenue, Braemar Way, Greystone Avenue, Stroud Green Drive, Greencourt Drive and Aldwick Gardens.

Inspector John Merrick said: "This night of crime is unusual because crime levels in Bognor have been reduced over the past year.

"The impact on the tradesmen has been great and it could threaten their livelihoods."

He urged witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

He said: "We are keen to trace the stolen property."

Insp Merrick urged drivers to fit security grilles and to improve locks on their vehicles.

"It is also good practice to record details of high value tools and mark them uniquely to help identify them if they are stolen and recovered."

"We are actively targeting this current trend and we are determined to bring the thieves and anyone caught handling stolen property to justice."

Contact PC Tim Bradshaw on 0845 6070999.

Friday, January 6, 2005