THIEVES have targeted seven vans in Lymm, Woolston, Latchford and Thelwall this week in a spate of break-ins.

Tools were stolen from four vans – on Whitesands Road in Lymm between 5.30pm on Monday and 8.30am on Tuesday, in Timberscombe Gardens in Woolston between 8pm and 10pm on Monday, on Higher Lane in Lymm between 12.00am and 6am on Tuesday and in St Mary's Street in Latchford between 8pm and 10.45pm on Tuesday.

Thieves also attempted to gain entry to vans in Cherry Lane in Lymm between 9pm on Monday and 7am on Tuesday and in Monmouth Close in Woolston at approximately 9.30pm on Monday.

A man was also disturbed attempting to break into a van on Stockport Road in Thelwall at around 10.45pm on Tuesday.

He fled in a navy blue Volkswagen Golf towards Lymm.

It is not known at this stage if any of the break-in incidents are linked.

Chief inspector Simon Meegan, of Warrington local policing unit, said: “With us receiving several reports of thieves targeting vans in Warrington this week we are urging motorists to be vigilant and to take steps to reduce the chances of their vehicles being broken into.

“I also appeal to anyone with any information or CCTV or footage regarding any of the break-in incidents to come forward.

“Perhaps you saw or have footage of someone acting suspiciously in the areas that vans were targeted, or maybe you have information relating to the man who drove off in a VW Golf after attempting to break into a van in Thelwall.

“If you think that you can help in any way with our investigations into the incidents please get in touch.”

The force’s advice for reducing the chances of your van being broken into is:

  •  Park your vehicle in a well-lit area and never leave it unlocked or with windows down
  •  Tools and other items of value should never be left in full view and should not be kept inside a vehicle overnight wherever possible
  •  If your vehicle does not have an alarm, get one fitted by a professional so that you and anyone nearby will be alerted to a break-in.

Anyone with information or CCTV footage in relation to any of the break-in incidents in Warrington should call Cheshire Constabulary on 101, give the details via www.cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111