RISING Brierley Hill vehicle crime has prompted a crackdown by cops with a “don’t bother” message to crooks.

Officers say commercial vehicles have been targeted sat nav systems, tools, power drills, jigsaws and chain saws high on robbers’ Christmas lists.

Police in uniform and plain clothes have stepped up foot patrols in hotspot areas where known offenders are thought to operate.

Sergeant Cliff Tomkinson, neighbourhood sergeant for Brierley Hill and Pensnett said: “Builders’ tools are extremely valuable to thieves because they are the sort of items that can be easily sold-on.

“Most of these offences have occurred overnight when vans have been parked on the owner’s driveway. However, there have also been a few incidents where vans have been broken-into on pub and hotel car parks.”

Van drivers are being advised to take steps to protect themselves from becoming a victim of vehicle crime, including downloading a free ‘don’t bother – this vehicle has been emptied of all valuables’ notice from the Dudley North Police website.

Sgt Tomkinson said: “Van drivers can help protect themselves by parking in well-lit areas, taking tools and sat navs out of their vans when leaving them overnight and making sure their vehicle is locked and alarmed at all times.

“I would also encourage motorists to display the ‘Don’t bother’ notice in their vehicles to let thieves know that all valuables have been removed.”

To download a free ‘Don’t bother' notice, visit www.west-midlands.police.uk/np/dudleynorth.

Police are also appealing to the public to report any suspicious activity, including the sale of stolen property, on 0845 113 5000 quoting Operation Jollity or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.