Van drivers have been warned to be on guard after a spate of tool thefts.

Thieves broke into seven vans in Borehamwood and one in Potters Bar on Tuesday night, stealing equipment worth thousands of pounds.

Kenny Howe, a builder who lives in Tempsford Avenue, Borehamwood, discovered drills and other tools totalling around £4,000 had been taken on Wednesday morning.

The 48-year-old said: “I am completely gobsmacked. I am stunned and just a little bit annoyed. My livelihood has gone now.

“It’s not really sunk in yet. I want to forewarn people what’s going on to stop it from happening to others.”

Police say vans parked in Warwick Place, Hay Close and Studio Way were also broken into, as well as one in Hermitage Court, Potters Bar.