POLICE are warning residents of a spate of tool thefts from vans.

Since the start of August, there have been 16 thefts reported for the Northside City area alone.

Officers said tools have been taken from vans parked on the highway and on driveways and are believed to be by people not residing in the Hereford area.

Vehicles mainly seen at the time of the thefts are hire cars.

Police said thefts have mainly been reported from the Tupsley and Ledbury Road area but could happen anywhere on the patch.

The Safer Neighbourhood Team advises residents to report any vehicles that they think are suspicious and to note down the details of the vehicles.

Officers also advise, where possible, to improve the security of vans by: upgrading the locks, installing a secure safe within the vehicle, emptying the cab area/ rear loading area, parking the vehicle in such a way that the back doors/ side doors are against a solid/non-moveable object and place signage in windows to warn that any contents in vehicle will be marked. i.e with smartwater.