Van drivers have been warned not to leave their tools in their vehicles.

As summer approaches, more homeowners may wish to have professional work carried out in their homes.

Extensions, a change of decor, hiring window cleaners, and even paying a gardener to clean up their garden may be some of the things on their lists.

As a result, business for the professionals could benefit from a boost, even after research revealed that more Brits are turning to DIY as a bid to save costs.

However, as the economic downturn falls further, thieves are now being tempted to break into vans to get hold of tools and satellite navigation systems.

Thieves target vans

It is common for van drivers to leave tools in their vehicles after a long days work.

However, leaving tools and other valuables in the vehicles overnight gives many thieves the opportunity to break in.

According to a survey conducted by Direct Line for Business, 21 vans are broken into every hour across the UK.

The poll also revealed that 36 per cent of van drivers fail to empty the contents of their vans at the end of the day.

Van insurance customers have recently been advised to keep their vehicles empty when not in use after statistics from Somerset police force revealed that there has been an increase in thefts from vehicles in the north of Somerset.

Figures found that approximately 76 thefts had been reported within the past few weeks.

Policyholders in the area are now being advised to 'remain vigilant.'

Dave Hayward, the areas community safety sergeant, said: "We ask that motorists remain vigilant and do everything they can to reduce opportunities for theft by ensuring that your belongings are not left on display."

He added that: "The safest option is to not leave any property in the vehicle."

Furthermore, according to Oxfordshire police, drivers of commercial vans are more likely to fall victim to theft if they leave their tools in their vehicles.

Detective Sergeant Matt Jarman said: "Most ... [of these] criminals are opportunists and are unlikely to break into an empty vehicle."

Simon Henrick from Direct Line for Business said: "There are over 185,000 vans being broken into a year in the UK, and many drivers are making it an easy earner for thieves."

By ensuring you carry out other precautions such as fitting a new safety lock, you could reduce the risk of falling victim to theft.

A majority of van drivers who carry valuable tools and equipment in their vehicles worry about the safety of their goods.

A new lock has been launched by Stoplock to provide a powerful defence against criminals. The tamper proof heavy duty van lock with a security lock and two keys can be purchased for under £50 and could save the policyholder from the loss of a theft.

Statistics from Direct Line revealed that 51 per cent of van drivers do not have fitted alarms with 16 per cent admitting to leaving the doors unlocked overnight.

The cost of tools and equipment can add up to thousands of pounds. It is therefore important for van drivers to ensure their tools are insured under their van insurance policy.

Are your tools covered?

"Only 33 per cent of drivers we asked had the relevant insurance to cover their contents. The loss of your tools, or stock can have a severe impact on your business and not having them covered makes it far more costly than it needs to be," added Henrick.