POLICE patrols are being stepped up in villages in the Salisbury district after reports of vans being broken into.

In response to the break-ins police have issued advice to avoid being a victim of crime.

A post on the Salisbury Police Facebook page said: "We have received reports recently around vans being broken into in the rural villages, we have increased patrols in the area but here's our top ten tips to avoid being a victim of crime."

  1. Keep your vehicle locked, windows shut and your keys secure
  2. Park in a well-lit area and in clear view of your property and any CCTV cameras
  3. Do not leave any valuables such as wallets, phones, Sat Navs etc on display
  4. Consider fitting a tool safe and secure it with good quality locks
  5. Try to park your van close to a building or hedge to restrict access
  6. If possible, remove all tools from the van when it is left overnight
  7. Take photographs of items of value and make a note of serial numbers
  8. Consider fitting an alarm that is Secured by Design accredited
  9. Mark the items of property/tools that are stored in the vehicle using an artificial DNA property marker such as Smartwater or SelectaDNA
  10. Call 999 immediately if you see a crime in progress or any suspicious activity around trade vans. Note the registration numbers of vehicles and descriptions of those involved

Anyone with information in relation to these types of incidents should call police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.