Tools and gardening equipment have been stolen from vans in Ashford.

Police are warning tradesmen to be on their guard following the incidents, which happened within a matter of days last week.

A van in Centenary Close in Charing was among the vehicles targeted, as well as vans in Bybrook Court in Kennington and Quantock Drive.

Sgt Jasmine Bloomfield said: "While we carry out inquiries into these reports we urge residents, in particular tradesmen who keep tools and expensive equipment in their vehicles overnight, to be vigilant.

"We know it is frustrating to have to empty your vans overnight but we want to ensure that thieves don’t have opportunities to take advantage of.

"Some of the tools reported stolen are expensive and will be costly to replace and no doubt detrimental to businesses.

"Ensure you keep receipts and serial numbers for any valuable equipment as this helps us in the event that we can return stolen property to victims.

"All drivers, regardless of what you do for a living, should keep in mind that anything left in vehicles overnight or when parked in dark and secluded areas can be a target for crime."