‘LOWLIFE criminals’ stole work equipment from a van in an area which has been described as a hotspot for vehicle crime.

Thieves took a dash cam and several power tools worth ‘hundreds of pounds’ from a Mercedes van outside a house in Pollard Street, Accrington.

The vehicle belonged to Anthony Thorpe, 42, who works for an artificial grass fitting company, and it is the second time he has been hit by a vehicle theft after an incident earlier this year.

He was at home with his partner Ruth Whittle and her six-year old daughter when the theft took place at around 5.30am yesterday.

The incident was captured on CCTV which has now been passed on to police.

Miss Whittle said there have been a series of vehicle crimes in the area and hit out at those responsible.

The 27-year-old said: “The only word for them is scum.

“He’s working seven days a week to make a living.

“It’s a massive inconvenience.

“These people don’t work, they are just taking whatever they can get their hands on.

“Lowlife people like this need locking up.

“This isn’t the first time this happened. Quite a few cars have been ransacked and windows smashed.”

Miss Whittle said her partner also had his van stolen around six months ago, although it was later recovered dumped in Rawtenstall.

CCTV images of the latest theft show two men approaching the van before opening the back doors and looking inside for items.

The theft was discovered when the couple got up to let their dog out at 5am and saw the van door still open.

Miss Whittle said she thinks the thieves could have run off after noticing the couple wake up.

Police said they were investigating the theft and were appealing for anyone with any information to get in touch.

A police spokesman said: “We were called to reports of vehicle crime in Pollard Street.

“Unknown male offenders approached the van from the rear.

“They left with a leaf blower, dash cam, circular saw and power drills.

“An investigation is ongoing.”

Anyone with any information should contact the police on 101 quoting crime reference number ED1715729.