Thieves Targeting Work Vans

Over the last two weeks, the Burbank Police Department has received several reports of thefts from work vans in the City of Burbank. In these incidents, thieves have punched the door locks to the vans and stolen various tools and pieces of equipment from inside. The majority of these incidents were reported to have occurred in hillside residential neighborhoods during overnight hours.

The vehicles targeted include white Ford Econoline vans, white Chevrolet vans, and white Dodge vans.

Although a suspect(s) has yet to be identified, the Burbank Police Department is continuing to investigate.

The Burbank Police Department would like to offer these tips to help thwart theft activity, specific to work vans:

1. Always remember to lock and secure your work van.

2. Try to remove all valuable items from inside your van.

3. If leaving equipment/tools inside your van, make sure they are permanently marked (etched) with your California Driver's License or I.D. number.

4. If possible, secure your equipment/tools separately inside your van (e.g., a locked container attached to the vehicle).

5. Try to park your vehicle in well-lit areas.

6. Audible alarms are a great deterrent and can alert you if someone tampers with your vehicle.

7. When and if possible, park your van inside of a garage, or within a secure or gated area.

8. Consider installing motion-sensing lights covering the area where you park your van.

9. Video surveillance cameras are a great tool and resource that can help the police identify suspects involved in criminal activity. They also act as a good crime deterrent.

The Burbank Police Department reminds you to alway report suspicious activity on our non-emergency, 24-hour number, at (818) 238-3000.

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