A TRADESMAN thinks thieves may be using online videos to learn how to steal vehicles after falling victim to the crime twice.

Steve Reigan has had two vans stolen from his firm, Hove-based P and R Building Contractors, since October, with the latest last Tuesday.

The vans were parked outside his employee’s home in Ormonde Way, Shoreham, when thieves pounced overnight.

The second time, they broke through a steering wheel lock and drove off with the Ford Transit Dropside.

But Mr Reigan believes the culprits are learning the dark art on the web.

The 57-year-old said: “After the first van was stolen, we were advised to get a steering wheel lock and got it from Clifford’s in Portland Road.

“But they managed to break through it.

“Me and my employee were just amazed. We couldn’t believe it.

“After the second van was stolen, we watched a video online which shows you how to break through the exact same lock in six seconds.

“I am certain this is how they are working. There was no evidence of a break-in.”

Mr Reigan said the combined value of the vans is almost £30,000.

After the first van was stolen in October, he was advised to put a steering wheel lock on the replacement – a Ford Transit Dropside to the value of £15,000 – while the original cost around £14,000.

On top of the vans being taken, Mr Reigan lost out on £2,500 of work due to not having the vehicles. But he is worried by the ease with which the thieves took both his vans.

He said: “It is not just the financial cost. The worrying thing is these new high-tech criminals can steal them in a matter of minutes.”

Mr Reigan said he is sceptical about replacing the van too soon out of fear he may be targeted again, and is looking for better tools to protect the vans.

He said: “I am certainly worried that it is going to happen again.

“We are going to look into other measures that we can take to stop it happening.

“People should be made aware of how vulnerable their vehicles are.”

Police say they are investigating last Tuesday’s theft.

A force spokeswoman said: “Police received reports of a white Ford transit van being stolen from Ormonde Way, Shoreham.

“The theft occurred between 10pm on December 6 and 5am December 7.

“All lines of enquiry are being investigated.”