STOLEN tools have been recovered in a joint operation by two police forces.

Officers from Avon and Somerset, and from Gloucestershire Police received at least four calls on Wednesday, reporting that work vans had been broken into and tools stolen in Bristol.

One of the victims had fitted a tracking device to his toolbox, which led officers to a location in Gloucestershire.

The two forces visited the location in Brookthorpe on Wednesday afternoon and seized a large number of power tools and other items.

Some of the items have already been identified as being stolen from vans in Bristol on Wednesday morning, and returned to their owners.

Police are reviewing the other items for identifiable marks and will be working hard to reunite them with their owners.

Two people remain in police custody in Gloucestershire at the time of writing - a man arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods, and a woman arrested on suspicion of theft.

Police know it is not always possible to empty a work van overnight, but recommend it if it can be done.

Otherwise they advise the public to permanently mark tools with your business name or postcode, keep them inside a secure storage cage or box anchored within the vehicle and set the alarm as well as locking the van whenever you leave it.

The also suggest parking it in a secure garage or with the doors against a wall or another vehicle to make access more difficult, fit secondary locks and using a tracking device

If someone is spotted trying to break into a van, officers ask for the public to call 999 immediately. If something suspicious is seen then ring 101.

Alternatively, information can be reported anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111.

Police have also asked residents not to help to create a market for stolen goods by hearing from anyone who sees tools offered for sale, online or in person, at a suspiciously cheap price.