A WARNING has been fired out to van owners after the theft of two vehicles in as many days.

Police confirmed a white Ford Transit, with tools inside, was taken from Appledore Grove, Sutton Leach.

And a white Ford Transit, again with works tools in it, was stolen from Haverty Precinct, Newton-le-Willows overnight between Saturday and Sunday.

A police spokesperson said the owner of the second van still has the keys.

Van owners have been urged to be on their guard by officers in St Helens.

Merseyside Police offers a number of tips on how to protect from vehicle theft. These include:

  • Lock your vehicle: Locking your vehicle, even when filling up or parked on your drive, greatly reduces the possibility of it being targeted by an opportunist thief. Even if you have locked your vehicle, check you haven’t left any windows or the sunroof open.
  • Keep the keys safe: Vehicles today are by and large more difficult to steal than ever, unless the thief can access your key or fob to clone them. Keep your keys safe, out of view when at home, and away from your front door. It’s not uncommon for car keys to be stolen from inside your home by thieves fishing for them with a stick and hook through the letterbox.
  • When not in use, keep your electronic car key in a security pouch to prevent it being scanned by thieves to open and steal your car nearby.
  • Park responsibly: It’s always advisable to avoid parking in dark and secluded areas. It’s worth an extra five or ten-minute walk if it means your vehicle is left in a well-lit and busier street. And if possible, always try to park in illuminated and staffed car parks or those with a Park Mark safer parking award.
  • Watch for illegal tow trucks: Thieves often attempt to lift vehicles from the street, literally. So, if you see a towaway crew acting suspiciously – especially if their vehicle isn’t branded or if they’re not in uniform – then please report it immediately.
  • Fit good in-car security locks: Bear in mind that built-in steering locks aren’t necessarily thief-proof. Many can be forced and broken. Fitting a Sold Secure steering wheel, gear lever or clutch pedal security device can give your vehicle added protection.
  • Double-check electronic locking: Electronic devices can be used to jam the electronic signal from your key fob to lock your vehicle. Always manually check your vehicle has locked before walking away. If unsure, lock it manually, then scan the immediate area for anyone hanging around. If a potential thief who’s watching feels they’ve been spotted, they’ll probably move off.