Police have revealed at least seven vans have been stolen in Norfolk in the space of just a week, with Mercedes Sprinters particularly favoured by the thieves.
Norfolk police are urging people to be vigilant and to call police if they witness anyone acting suspiciously around vehicles.
The vans were stolen between Saturday, August 16 and Friday, August 22, five of them from Norwich.
Chief inspector Nathan Clark, Norwich East policing commander, said: 'We have seen a recent rise in thefts of vans in the Norwich and North Norfolk/Great Yarmouth area.
'I would urge drivers of vans, especially Mercedes Sprinters, which appear to be a prime target, to be vigilant and take sensible measures.'
Police have stepped up patrols on industrial estates and where Sprinter vans are stored.
They advised van owners to keep them in garages where possible, and if no garage is available, in a well-lit, public area.
They urged drivers to use alarms, lighting and CCTV to deter thieves.
Anyone with information about any of the crimes should contact police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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