Appeal After Specialist Tools Stolen From Van In Formby

Police ask public for their help after thieves steal tools and equipment including industrial torque wrench, Facom tool bag and Solus Pro diagnostic machine

Merseyside Police is appealing for information after specialist tools were stolen from a van in Formby.

Between 7.45pm and 9.30pm on Tuesday, December 2 unknown offenders broke into an unmarked Vauxhall Vivaro van on Cable Street and took tools and equipment including an industrial torque wrench, Facom tool bag and Solus Pro diagnostic machine.

Some of the tools stolen belonged to the Royal National Lifeboat Institute charity and were engraved with the words ‘RNLI 8’.

Officers have now issued photographs of some of the items taken in a bid to trace them and track down the offenders.

Sergeant Charlotte Irlam said: “The RNLI is a charity that provides a very valuable service to Merseyside and across the UK.

“For them to lose specialist equipment such as this is understandably upsetting.

“These are very specialist items and we would appeal to anyone who may have seen them, or been offered them for sale, to get in touch.”

Merseyside Police have also issued the following general advice to vehicle owners:

• Most vehicle crime is preventable. It can take as little as 10 seconds for a thief to steal something from your vehicle. If at all possible, leave nothing on view • Never leave valuable items in your car

• Wipe away the Sat Nav mark on your windscreen • Never leave your car keys where they can be seen from the front door • Always close the windows and sunroof; lock the doors and activate any security devices when leaving your car unattended • Park with care, particularly at night or if you are leaving the vehicle for a long time. If possible, park in a busy, well-lit area

Anyone with any information about the theft is asked to contact Merseyside Police on 0151 777 3746/3702 or the confidential Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.