Thieves have been using a ‘James Bond gadget’ to unlock vans remotely and steal tools from Sidmouth tradespeople.
Cal Hill was one of the latest victims in the town – the crooks made off with a compactor plate striker he had on hire, a drill and a radio earlier this month. His van was parked in Sidford, but vehicles in Dunkeswell, Seaton and Cullompton have also been targeted.
Mr Hill said: “They open the van using some James Bond gadget so you may want to park your vans in a way they can’t get in. I will be getting a secondary manual lock on mine.”
PCSO Phil Thomas said: “Victims don’t generally have any visible sign of entry into their secure vans, which suggests a gadget that affects central locking. White Transit vans are being favoured because they are more likely to be tradespersons’ vehicles.”
Anyone with information should call the police on 101 and quote crime reference CR/013479/18.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here