Tradespeople - Please Be Aware - Thames Valley Alert

Tradespeople - Please Be Aware

Tradespeople – Please Be Aware

On Monday 20 July 2026 at approximately 10:45pm, three vans were broken into while parked in the Holiday Inn car park, Tongwell, Milton Keynes.

The offenders gained entry by ripping through the side doors of the vehicles to access the rear storage areas. A large quantity of power tools were stolen.

To help reduce the risk of becoming a victim of this type of crime, please consider the following crime prevention advice:

Remove tools and equipment from your vehicle overnight wherever possible.

Park in well-lit, secure locations with good CCTV coverage.

Fit additional security measures such as deadlocks, slam locks, and tool safes.

Mark and register tools using forensic marking products and property registration schemes.

Install vehicle alarms and tracking devices.

Avoid leaving tools on display inside vehicles.

Consider fitting internal bulkheads and reinforced door plates.

Report any suspicious activity or persons seen around work vehicles to the police immediately.

Tool theft from vans continues to be a significant issue and can have a major impact on tradespeople and their livelihoods. Taking a few extra security measures can help protect your property and deter offenders.

If you have any information relating to this incident, please report it to Thames Valley Police via 101 or online. In an emergency, always call 999.

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Message Sent By
Craig Hawksworth
(Thames Valley Police, PCSO, Milton Keynes South Neighbourhood Team)