A spate of thefts from vehicles in South Bristol has prompted police to increase patrols in the area. A recent number of thefts from vans in the city has seen tools being stolen.
A teenager was stopped by police on Wednesday, January 29 and arrested on suspicion of going equipped for theft. The 17-year-old boy was found with a pair of pliers, police have said.
Officers then seized an angle grinder, gloves and a balaclava from an address in south Bristol. The teenage boy denied the offence and was released under investigation after questioning. The case has been referred to the youth panel for a decision.
Neighbourhood Sergeant Ben Spence said: “We know people rely on their vehicles and equipment for work and don’t underestimate the disruption and stress these thieves cause.
“Tackling theft from vehicles is one of our local priorities. Please do look out for anyone behaving suspiciously around vehicles and call 999 to report a crime in progress or 101 to pass on other information.”
In a statement, Avon and Somerset Police said: “Neighbourhood police in Bedminster and Southville, Bristol, are targeting their patrols in response to a recent increase in thefts from vehicles, especially vans, with tools being stolen.
“Officers are using uniformed and plain-clothed patrols to disrupt and detect offenders.
“On Wednesday 29 January patrolling officers arrested a boy, 17, in Southville on suspicion of going equipped for theft after he was found with a pair of pliers.
“Further enquiries led officers to seize an angle grinder, gloves and a balaclava from an address in south Bristol.
“The teenage boy denied the offence and was released under investigation after questioning. The case has been referred to the youth panel for a decision.