During the nights of May 2-5, there were seven thefts in north Warrnambool, with power tools and hand tools stolen from vehicles. Senior Constable Bec Miles said Makita, Dewalt and Metabo brand kits were stolen and included drills, saws, ratchets and interchangeable batteries.

She said some of the tradies’ tool boxes were locked and offenders had forced them open, while others had been left unlocked.

“Offenders have targeted trade utes ... so they are specifically looking for power tools as (we received) no reports of cars or cabs of utes being broken into,” Senior Constable Miles said.

Would-be thieves were disturbed when they entered two unlocked garages near Gateway Road in north Warrnambool about 2am and 3am on the nights in question. 

“A Nissan Navara utility with no canopy was seen in the vicinity and police are appealing for anyone with information or who saw a suspicious vehicle about,” Senior Constable Miles said.

“Also, witnesses heard the slamming of two car doors suggesting offenders are working in pairs.”

Anyone with any information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Warrnambool police.