POLICE are urging van owners not to leave power tools in vehicles overnight after a spate of break-ins over the weekend.

Officers are investigating a total of nine incidents in the Bridport area, with vehicles targeted in the Skilling, Court Orchard, Cherry Tree and West Road areas of the town.

Police believe a master key may have been used to access the vehicles, with no damage sustained to the vans.

A spokesman for Bridport Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “In many instances, no damage has been caused to the vehicles, which suggests that a master key or alarm overriding device may have been used.

“Whilst we understand that it is difficult and time consuming for tradespersons to empty their vans at the end of each day, we are sure that these nine victims now wish they had done so, with several thousands of pounds worth of equipment being stolen.

“Further advice, in light of the potential use of vehicle security overriding equipment, is the purchase and use of an independent PIR motion sensor alarm, which sends a signal to a receiver in your house, as long as you park within range, to alert you to movement within the vehicle that should not be present, in order to then act accordingly. These are readily available on well-known internet shopping sites, from as little as £10.“

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police on 101.