Does van thief own a ‘master key’?

Thousands of pounds worth of power tools were pinched from three vans parked on Erw Wen last night, with police warning that a serial thief or team is stepping up its raids on the local area.

It is the latest in a number of similar tool thefts from the area in recent works, and in a shocking development one of last night’s victims has been informed by police that the thieves probably have some sort of a master key for all transit vans.

“I have been told that whoever is doing this may have a master key,” he told us this morning. “The police have advised that anyone with a van should get some sort of a bolt lock fitted so they can't get in. Luckily most of my tools are in a lock up overnight but I have heard the others were not so lucky unfortunately with up to £5,000 worth taken from one.”

Local villages and towns have been targeted as vans parked overnight outside homes and businesses are seen as easy prey. Power tools worth tens of thousands of pounds have been taken.

But police are fighting back, offering advice whilst also issuing an appeal for the public to remain vigilant.

“Montgomeryshire has experienced a number of high value tool thefts from commercial vehicles over the past month, we urge you to ensure that your vehicles are secure, and ensure that you have your property marked, record serial numbers,” said a police spokesperson.

If you have seen any suspicious activity that could be linked to the spate of thefts, please contact police on 101. If you see a robbery in progress call 999.