AN ELECTRICIAN has been left counting the cost after a thief stole £1,200 worth of tools from his van – despite spotting a CCTV camera during the act.

The 22-year-old from Salisbury, who asked not to be named, had locked his van close to Devizes Road overnight on January 23 but when he woke he found that the door had been forced open and a selection of tools had gone.

The tools included a Dewalt Laser level, cordless batteries, hammer drill, inspection torch, and a Makita cordless grinder, which he had accumulated over the past four years.

“It has affected me doing my day to day job. I still have my hand tools but it makes my job a little more difficult,” the victim said.

Following the incident, the RJ Electrical and Plumbing employee checked his CCTV and watched the thief in action.

The footage shows the thief prise the van door open before having a look at the selection of tools.

Whilst looking around to spot if his actions have stirred anyone the thief spots the camera and walks away.

“He then comes back with his collar up, puts some gloves on and then opens the side doors, gradually looks through and offloads the tools into a bag on the floor," the victim said.

The video has now been shared more than 1,400 times on Facebook with some speculating about the identity of the tool thief.

“There is a good community out there and hopefully the video will make people aware of it as CCTV never lies.”

It is believed that the theft was not targeted three other vehicles were broken into in the area on the night, with wallets and cash also stolen from a taxi.

Wiltshire Police have confirmed that they are investigating the theft, along with the others which took place on the same night.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.