Police are warning Dartford van drivers to be vigilant about locking their vehicles after a series of thefts of tools.

Detectives are currently investigating a number of incidents, all of which took place during daylight and in public places.

They include:

Tools stolen from a van parked in Heath Lane between 1pm and 1.05pm on 4 March – crime reference XY/6942/13

Tools stolen from a van parked in Darenth Park Avenue between 10am and 10.36am on 4 March – crime reference XY/6906/13

Tools stolen from a van parked in Darenth park Avenue between 10am and 10.35am on 4 March – crime reference XY/6911/13

Tools stolen from a van parked in Cotton Lane between 7.30am and 6pm on 27 February – crime reference XY/6612/13

Tools stolen from a van parked in Cotton Lane between 2pm and 6pm on 27 February – crime reference XY/6610/13

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Sallie Baisley said: "We are taking these offences seriously and have a number of lines of enquiry to follow up, so I’d like to reassure the public everything possible is being done to bring the offenders to justice.

"However, I would remind drivers to ensure they lock their vehicles when leaving them alone – even for a few minutes – and would encourage them either to ensure all valuables, including work equipment and tools, are either not on display or, better yet, taken out of the vehicle when it is to be left for a prolonged period of time.

Anybody with any information on the below thefts is asked to call 101, quoting the relevant crime reference number, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.