Police are warning that they will publically release the details of criminals after an alarming number of van thefts in the district.

In the last 12 months 157 vans were stolen in Epping Forest and 86 were broken into.

Now that the crime is averaging on 13 thefts every month, Inspector Marc Jordan, Epping Forest District Neighbourhood Policing Commander, says that police will come down hard on anyone who is caught.

He said: “We will be increasing patrols in our hotspot areas and using mobile CCTV cameras to help catch thieves in the act.

“Any suspect caught and charged will be named and shamed.”

Inspector Jordan added that too many of the victims made it easy for the perpetrators after leaving their van open.

He said: "In a lot of these cases the vans have been left insecure, making it far too easy for an opportunist thief.

“I cannot stress enough to all vehicle owners, please make sure you lock and secure your vans. If someone wants to break in they will, but to leave valuable equipment in an insecure vehicle is an open invite.”

“My advice to van owners is pretty simple, park your van in a well-lit area or garage if possible and make sure the windows are secure, Keep any plant and tool equipment out of sight, but ideally removed from the van altogether, with a notice on the van telling people that no tools are stored overnight.

“Ensure that your van doors and sliding doors are properly locked, check physically with handles that they are secure when leaving them, rather than relying on the remote.”

For more advice on keeping your vehicle secure, contact your local Neighbourhood team on the non-emergency number 101 or via essex.police.uk.

If you have any information on thefts from transit vans, call Essex police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.