THIEVES have stolen thousands of pounds worth of tools from vehicles in 28 separate incidents in the county in the last week.

Power tools in commercial vans belonging to electricians, plumbers and builders in East Kent have been targeted by the offenders.

Twelve thefts have been reported in Thanet, while another 16 have come in from Herne Bay and the Sturry and Hersden areas near Canterbury.

In one instance, a £500 Stihl diamond disc cutter and blade was stolen from a van in St Albans Road, Hersden, while a £400 Paflow nail gun was taken from another vehicle belonging to a carpenter.

Det Sgt Chris Goodman said: "We appreciate that it is both laborious and time consuming to empty your van of power tools. However, it's the only way to ensure the safety of expensive tools."