POLICE are appealing for information after thieves broke into two vans in Charfield in an attempt to steal tools.

The vans were left in the car park of Charfield Memorial Hall at about 6.30pm on Thursday 18 June and were only unattended for about an hour.

The rear doors were damaged, but because the owners had removed their tools, nothing was taken.

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said: "Officers understand how such crimes affect the livelihoods of tradespeople.

"We know it’s not always possible to empty a work van overnight, but recommend it if you can."

The police issued the following vehicle security advice:

• permanently mark tools with your business name or postcode and record the serial numbers

• keep tools inside a secure storage cage or box anchored within the vehicle

• set the alarm as well as locking the van whenever you leave it

• park it in a secure garage, or with the doors against a wall or another vehicle, to make access more difficult

• fit secondary locks

• use a tracking device

The spokesman added: "Don’t help to create a market for stolen goods – officers would also like to hear from you if you see tools offered for sale, online or in person, at a suspiciously cheap price."

Police are encouraging people to call in to report suspicious activity immediately, by calling 999 if a crime is underway, otherwise call 101.