Arrest made by officers investigating theft of tools from a van in Cheltenham

The Cheltenham Neighbourhood Policing team have made an arrest as part of enquiries into a recently reported theft of tools from a van.

Officers investigating the incident, which took place in the Redgrove Park area last week, identified a man they believed to have been involved after conducting CCTV enquiries.

An address linked to the suspect was visited earlier today (Monday 21 October) and a 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of vehicle interference, theft from a motor vehicle, burglary and supply of a class B drug. He remains in police custody at this time.

Enquiries are now ongoing to locate a number of tools which were stolen during the theft. This was reported as taking place overnight from Tuesday 15 to Wednesday 16 October.

Officers are asking anyone who has information or CCTV footage they feel may be relevant to get in contact.

Information can be submitted by completing the following online form and quoting incident 80 of 16 October: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/ 

Vehicle crime is often opportunistic and we're asking residents to check that vehicle doors are locked and personal belongings or valuables are removed where possible.

You can help protect your vehicle from theft by following these measures:

1) Store your key fob, and any spares, inside a key signal blocker pouch such as a Faraday pouch or box.

2) Store your keys away from the front or back door.

3) Consider using more traditional crime prevention methods such as a steering wheel lock or clamp, use of CCTV and security lighting.

4) Some keys can have the wireless signal turned off - look inside your owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer.

5) Park defensively by going near to a wall or by using another vehicle to block you in, or park in the garage if you have one.

6) You can have your vehicle fitted with a tracker or if you're buying a new vehicle ask the showroom about the cost of activating the inbuilt manufacturer's system.

For more advice on ways to help keep your vehicle safe please visit: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/keeping-vehicles-safe/