Crooks target tools in white vans used by LA tradesmen

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles police are warning tradesmen and handymen about an outbreak of thefts of white vans by crooks bent on stealing the tools inside.

Between Nov. 1 and Feb. 1 there have been thefts of 27 white vans used by tradesmen in the West San Fernando Valley.

Lt. Paul Weber says detectives aren't sure if it's the work of one criminal or a broader trend.

The vans have usually been taken while parked on streets overnight and have usually been found within three days not far away.

Weber says that indicates the real targets are the tools, which can easily be sold to pawnshops, at swap meets or online.

Twenty Ford Econoline, five Chevy Express and two GMC Savanna vans have been stolen so far and all were white.

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