Thief steals tools from vans in series of raids in Rother

Overnight on May 14/15, thieves raided vans in Netherfield, Ninfield, Hurst Green and Robertsbridge, stealing hundreds of pounds worth of tools.

A Radial armed saw and Tom Tom sat nav went missing from a blue Citroen van parked in Darvel Down, Netherfield, whilst a Stihl quick cut brick cutter was taken from a white Ford Transit in Sparke Gardens, Ninfield.

The thief escaped with a haul of expensive tools, including a Husqvanna XP 360 chainsaw, Husqvanna top tool chainsaw, Husqvanna 136 brash saw, Stihl multi tool and a hedge cutter shaft from a green Ford Transit van in Brightling Road, Robertsbridge.

Meanwhile a young white man, wearing a grey hooded top, was seen fleeing the scene of a theft in London Road, Hurst Green, at 4.15am on May 15. A Dwalt LT drill had been stolen from the white Citroen van.

Sergeant Paul Masterson, of the Battle Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This week saw a night of intense activity by criminals in the area attacking works vans for tools and equipment.

“Several vehicles were attacked and thousands of pounds of work tools stolen.

“During one of these offences the offender was seen to leave in a vehicle but the owner of the attacked vehicle did not report the offence until the morning as they felt the police would not get there in time to do anything.

“Taken in isolation this may have seemed like a minor offence but it most likely linked to the other crimes.

“This was a clear opportunity for us to carry out some fast time investigation and hopefully trace an offender.

“I would like to ask everyone to report suspicious activity as it is happening to give us the best possible chance of catching offenders.”