EXTRA police officers have been drafted in to combat a big increase in tool and machinery thefts in the Nursling and Rownhams area.

Officers are now warning tradespeople not to leave equipment in their vans overnight following a spate of thefts.

Police have also been posting warning notices on vans advising owners not to become victims of tool crime.

Sergeant Alyson West, of Romsey Police, said: “There have been a growing number of tool thefts from vans in the area mainly in the Nursling, Rownhams and Lordshill areas and some have been expensive tools. They seem to be popular items with thieves at the moment. It seems to be power tools, chainsaws, drills and workmen’s tools in general.”

Sergeant West added that officers believe the stolen property is being sold on as second-hand goods over the internet or possibly car boot sales.

“If members of the public are offered tools at what seems to be too good to be true prices, they should be cautious before buying them. They could end up out of pocket if they unknowingly buy something that was stolen property,” said the officer.

Anyone with information about the tool thefts is asked to contact Sergeant West at Romsey police station on 101.