Police in west Fife are warning local people to be vigilant following a recent spate of thefts from work vans.
Officers are still trying to determine the method used to gain entry to the vehicles as owners insist their vans were left locked.
The thefts from the vehicles, which are mainly Fords, have taken place near to homes in populated areas and goods stolen include building trade items and power tools of substantial value, such as cordless drills.
Inspector Tom Barrett of Dalgety Bay said: “Drivers are asked to ensure that they do not leave tools within vehicles overnight and, if possible, park their vehicles in a way that access cannot be gained to the side or rear doors.
“I would urge members of the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to police.
“If anyone is offered power tools by a seller who can’t provide proof of ownership or if they seem disproportionately cheap, please be wary.
“Likewise, if anyone purchases stolen goods they may well be recovered by officers, leaving them out of pocket,” explained the inspector.
Drivers can also register valuables such as work tools on the United Kingdom’s national property register, Immobilise, which helps police identify the owners of recovered property thousands of times every day.
Anyone with information on the work van thefts can contact Police Scotland on 101, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or any police officer.