Burglars 'could use stolen van'

Police say the van could be used by burglars to commit crime

A water company's van that was stolen from a business centre could be used to commit crime, police have said.

The van, owned by Sutton and East Surrey Water, with the company logo on the side, was taken from Gatton Park Business Centre in Reigate.

DCI Darren McInnes said on Monday that one of the most common excuses used by burglars to enter people's homes was to say they are "from the water board".

"If these people had the van they could convince people more easily," he said.

Six Steps to Safety Check who's calling and use a door chain Check the caller's appearance Ask for identification If in doubt, call the water company If in doubt, say no Make use of password systems

He said that since the beginning of June, in east Surrey, 44% of distraction burglary cases - where bogus callers steal from people's homes - happened after burglars said they were from a water company.

"Often one person will go into the bathroom and kitchen with the victim and ask them to turn on taps or fill pans, while another person searches for cash or small items," he said.

The van, which was stolen on 15 December, just before midday, is a white Vauxhall Vivaro, with the number plate GV53 YXF.