Contractors Invited To Reclaim Tools Stolen From Vans - Philadelphia News, Weather and Sports from WTXF FOX 29

Philadelphia and Bensalem investigators are putting their heads together to track down the person stealing contractor vans.

The thefts are happening in Philadelphia, Bensalem and other surrounding communities.

On Monday, victims were able to reclaim some of their stolen items at an event held in Juniata Park by the "Major Crimes Auto Squad."

The vehicles are being stolen for the assorted hand and power tools inside them, along with ladders, electronic equipment and other construction equipment. The majority of these vehicles are being stolen in Philadelphia and recovered in the Croydon section of Bristol Township.

Theft from autos have also been reported. In most cases the suspect stole the vehicles by punching door locks then defeating the ignition, although "hockey puck" locks have also been defeated and stereos have been ripped from the dashboards.

Some of the items, like garden tools, have names and initials engraved on them.

If you didn't make it down to the station Monday, Philadelphia police will allow people to pick up the stolen tools and stuff again Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from noon to eight at 4298 Macalester St.

Complainants must provide identification and a theft report copy.