GANGS of youths on mopeds have been targeting vans across the city in a spate of thefts.

Vans across Southampton have been targeted with police reporting a spike in thefts over the last week.

Daily Echo: Thieves have been targeting vans across SouthamptonThieves have been targeting vans across Southampton

Vehicles in the Coxford, Redbridge and Shirley areas of Southampton have been "emptied of work tools".

It is believed that vans belonging to tradesmen or firms who regularly use power pools are being targeted.

Coxford Road, Taranto Road, Dunvegan Drive and Sandpiper Road are all said have been hit.

Daily Echo: Thieves have been targeting vans across SouthamptonThieves have been targeting vans across Southampton

A resident who wishes to remain unnamed reported some of the thefts were by a group of youngsters on mopeds.

Daily Echo: Thieves have been targeting vans across SouthamptonThieves have been targeting vans across Southampton

A police spokesperson said: "We've had a spike in reports of theft of tools from vans in Coxford, Redbridge and Shirley over the last week or so.

"We know how theft of tools can affect your livelihood so we're proactively looking into this will be patrolling those areas.

"Anyone with any information, please get in contact. Call 101 and quote 44200313598."

More to follow...