Witness appeal following theft from a motor vehicle - (private resident's car park off the High Street in Olney)

Hello Resident,

We are appealing for witnesses following a report of theft from a motor vehicle in a private resident's car park off the High Street in Olney.

The incident occurred overnight between Saturday 24th January 2026 (20:00) to Sunday 25th January 2026 (07:00).  

A van was broken into and all the tools were stolen.  The offenders have drilled a hole in the side door to get into the van.  The van was not visible from the street and was parked in a private resident's car park off the High Street in Olney.

We would like to speak to anyone who has information, CCTV or dash cam footage within the area at this time to please come forward.  If you have any information around this incident, please contact the Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101 quoting reference 43260039563 or online.  

“If you do not want to talk to the police, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111.” 

Crime Prevention Advice regarding Theft Of Tools from Motor Vehicles / Vans 

Being a victim of vehicle crime can be distressing.

More than 80 per cent of people whose cars are broken into or stolen are emotionally affected.

Vehicle crime also causes victims a lot of inconvenience. You could be without a car for weeks waiting for the garage to make repairs or for your insurer to pay. That’s why your vehicle’s security features should be as important as any of its other features.

Most car criminals are opportunists. By following a few tips below, you can outsmart car thieves and limit their opportunity to steal your valuables or vehicle.

Do not display
Remove all valuables from your car when you park. Even an old coat or a plastic bag left behind can tempt a thief.

Key values
Keep your keys safe. Never leave the ignition key in your vehicle while it is unattended for example, at a petrol station.

Perfect parking
If you have a garage, use it. If not, always try to park in a well lit, open location. Use secure car parks displaying the official Park Mark™ sign.

Trust locks, not luck
Lock all doors, close all windows and shut the sunroof every time you leave your car however briefly. Use a steering wheel lock.

Call a halt to car theft
Fit an immobiliser (cars built before 1995 may not be fitted with these devices). Electronic engine immobilisers prevent your car from starting and are the best way to stop thieves.

Be alarmed
Install an alarm to deter thieves from not only stealing your car, but also taking items from it.

Keep track of your vehicle
If you own a high value or rare car, arrange to have a vehicle tracking system fitted. This equipment can help to locate a car after it has been stolen.

Deal with your wheels
Use locking wheel nuts. They are cheap, easy to fit and stop thieves from taking your wheels.

Etch to protect
Have your vehicle’s registration number or the last seven digits of the vehicle identification number (VIN) etched on to all glass surfaces including the headlights.

Make your mark
Protect valuable items you often take in your car by marking them with your registration number or postcode using an ultraviolet pen.

Sat-nav. Would you be lost without it?
Given the chance car thieves will make a beeline straight for your satellite navigation equipment. Follow these tips to keep your sat-nav safe:

For further advice and information on securing your vehicle, visit the Thames Valley Police website at: www.thamesvalley.police.uk

Additional contacts:
Sold Secure – for a list of recognised security products: www.soldsecure.com
Crimestoppers – if you have any information on car crime: www.crimestoppers-uk.org
Immobilise – to register your valuables in case of loss or theft: www.immobilise.com
Association of British Insurers (ABI) – for information on insurance group ratings and vehicle security: www.abi.org.uk 
For details on the Park Mark™ scheme go online to www.saferparking.com

Most vehicle crime can be prevented.
Don’t give criminals an easy ride.
Avoid becoming a victim of vehicle crime