TWO people have been arrested in connection with thefts from white vans.

Residents who saw two men trying to break into vans in Patcham called 999 and two young men were arrested nearby.

Officers have been dealing with a spate of break-ins on white vans across Brighton - particularly in the Patcham area - since last October.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: “At around 1.40am on Friday (March 2), police were called to Lilac Court, London Road, Patcham about two men being seen to be trying to break into cars in the site’s parking area. The men left but on searching the area officers arrested two men.

“A 21-year-old and a 17-year-old boy, both from Brighton were arrested; the 21-year-old on suspicion of theft from a motor vehicle and possession of an offensive weapon; and the 17-year-old on suspicion of theft from a motor vehicle, possession of a class A drug and going equipped for theft.

“They have both been released under investigation.”

Officers continue to investigate van break-ins in the city and are appealing for more information about the attempted break-in on taxi driver Bob Thorpe and his neighbour’s vans.

CCTV captured two men driving up to two parked vans in Reeves Hill at 9.15pm on Tuesday, February 27 and attempt to get into the vans. Although nothing was stolen it was clear they were acting suspiciously. If you have any information please report it online.

PC Andrew Boucher said: “We continue to work hard across the city to catch those breaking into vehicles and are keen for any information about this attempted break-in which was caught on CCTV.

“We ask anyone who has been a victim to report it to us and anyone with information to come forward.”

Anyone with a van is reminded to keep their vans empty of valuable and secure. Read more of our advice here.

In October, there were 37 thefts from vans reported and a further 25 the following month.

The problem became so bad that angry traders called a crunch meeting with police at the Ladies Mile pub in Patcham to see what could be done to tackle it.

Since then there have been significantly fewer incidents.

Figures dipped in December, with just six reported thefts from vehicles.

In January it rose to 26.