POLICE have released video footage of thieves stealing tools from a van in broad daylight earlier this month- as one moons through a car window at witnesses.
The thieves took tools worth around £600 in Fred Lee Grove after smashing the window to gain access on August 1 at 11am.
One of the thieves exposed his bottom through the getaway car window while the other posed towards the camera before driving away.
Police believe the men are part of a wider group that has targeted over 40 tradespeople across the city over the last few weeks.
CCTV footage has also been issued of two men opening a white van in Torrington Avenue two days earlier.
The two men fled the scene after they were disturbed.
Further footage shows a group stealing from a van in Broad Lane armed with crowbars before driving away in a black Audi.
A thorough CCTV trawl has been conducted by police, with footage showing many incidents being seized, and they have also made enquiries into the vehicles used during the offences, which were all on cloned plates.
Plainclothes patrols have also been carried out in hotspots.
Coventry Police Detective Inspector Stew Lewis said: “We’ve had a bit of fun with the video in the hope it will be widely shared and generate information about who might be involved, but these offences are no laughing matter.
“These brazen thieves have stolen tools worth thousands of pounds; tradespeople have been left out of pocket and badly inconvenienced.
“They’ve also brandished crowbars and metal batons during some of the thefts and we’re concerned they may be prepared to use violence.”
Insp Lewis added that anyone who recognises the thieves, suspect who may be involved or have been offered tools for sale in suspicious circumstances should contact the police.
You can do so by calling 101 and entering the extension number 834 3181 between 7am and 11pm or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
