THE owner a van which was targeted by a thief is urging residents to be vigilant after his vehicle's locks were damaged in Lympsham.

Police are appealing for information after a thief tried to gain entry to a van in Littlewood in Bridgwater Road at around 6.30am on Wednesday (November 27).

Stuart Nichols, who owns the van, posted CCTV footage of the culprit on social media and is urging residents to be vigilant following the incident.

Stuart said: "The man in the CCTV footage damaged the locks trying to break into my van at 6.38am yesterday.

"He didn't get into mine, but he entered my neighbour's van and searched that one.

"The offender came from the Hobbs Boat direction and several vehicles passed him. I'm hoping someone may have a dash camera with some clearer footage of the man.

"I feel angry that someone has done this. Although my van doesn't contain power tools it's the cost of the damage caused which annoys me, especially when we are approaching Christmas.

"Two locks were damaged. One cosmetically and one will need replacing as there is internal damage.

"I would urge residents to make sure they remove all power tools from vans and to be vigilant."

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police, said they would urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

"We’ve received a report someone tried gain entry into a van parked in the Bridgwater Road area of Weston-super-Mare," the spokesperson said.

"The offender damaged the lock of the vehicle during the incident which happened at around 6.30am yesterday.

"We’re aware there is CCTV in the area and will be reviewing footage in due course.

"Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who saw someone acting suspiciously in the area, is asked to call 101 and provide the call handler with the reference 5219274641."

Police have also issued advice to van owners to help them keep their vehicles safe.

A police spokesperson said: "Owners of vans are advised not to leave expensive power tools in their vehicle overnight or at the weekend, when not at work.

"If they feel the need to leave items in the vehicles, then they should consider fitting specialist floor-mounted safes and secure storage boxes.

"We would also advise security marking as well as taking photos of their tools and equipment.

"We’d also urge members of the public to be vigilant and report anything suspicious.

"General crime prevention advice is available from the following link: www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/advice/crime-prevention-advice/protecting-your-home-and-property/ "