HARD working traders have had their Christmas ruined by a spate of thefts from vehicles, a police Sergeant has said.

Sgt Neil Hughes, of Flintshire South Safer Neighbourhood Team, told the Leader that over the last week his team has been dealing with reports of 30 separate thefts from vehicles.

He explained: “Work vans have been targeted. We have conducted three search warrants at addresses in Flintshire and arrested two local males - both are currently under investigation.

“We have also seized a Citroen Berlingo van, with registration DG54 YRE.

“From the Berlingo we have over 90 power tools which are believed to be stolen.

“We have managed to reunite about 50 of the tools with their owners.

“We’re looking for anyone who saw the Citroen Berlingo van in suspicious circumstances in Flintshire in the last week.

“If someone has had power tools stolen and not reported it - please report it and we will try to reunite you with them.

“A lot of the victims were sole traders and this has a massive effect on their livelihood.

“A lot of them have been unable to do their work. Some have lost a fortune - and trade.

“These are hard working people who have had their Christmas ruined by selfish actions.

“This is the worst time of year they could become victims.”

Sgt Hughes urged traders to take precautions, including making their vehicles more difficult to access by parking up against walls or other vehicles, as well as making it clear that tools are not stored in the vehicles overnight.

He also suggested parking in well light areas which are covered by CCTV cameras, as well as marking property.

This can be done by writing the owner’s post code on the item with marker pen or with a marker kit.

Another method he suggested was www.immobilise.com - which is a national property register website.

Anyone who has information regarding the thefts can contact North Wales Police with reference number 184 000 45427.

The investigating officer is PC Kizzy Park-Smith.