Beware if you own a van in the Brownhills and Walsall Wood area. Imagery from Google Maps.

A warning to people with work and delivery vans comes to me from West Midlands Police – there has been an increase in key theft from vehicles left for short periods while their drivers are busy, the keys and personal details taken later being used to burgle the house of the driver.

This is a warning to drivers, particularly of vans and commercial vehicles.

West Midlands Police said:

Recently, we have noticed a number of thefts from vans, particularly of house keys.  The thieves have been able to use documentation found inside the vehicle or other means to then locate the home address of the victim and use the keys to gain access.  Property, including cars, then been stolen.

Whatever your job, be it a trades person or delivery driver, resist the temptation to leave your house keys in your vehicle when you’re at work.  Though it may be less convenient, keeping them on you, or nearby, will greatly reduce the risk of your home being burgled and your property stolen.

Though this type of crime is still rare, by being aware and taking simple precautions you can reduce the risk.

Also take care with cars – make sure they’re locked and don’t leave valuables in them as word is local criminals appear to be targeting those, too.

These scumbags are targeting people trying to earn a living. It’s heartbreaking and my sympathies to the victims for the loss.

The people doing this are more than likely doing it to raise cash from the proceeds of selling what they steal. They can only do that if there’s a market for what they’re flogging.

Please, please, please don’t buy hooky gear. Look at any Facebook selling group and you’ll find people selling tools about which they clearly have no idea of purpose or value.

If you know of anyone hawking around stuff for sale that seems to be dubious, please grub them into the police – the stuff they’re flogging is probably nicked.

Anyone with information is urged to contact West Midlands Police by dialling 101 or speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.