Four cars were broken into in Brighton in one night.
Sussex Police said that workmen should lock their tools away after the break-ins in Bevendean and Saltdean.
Tools were stolen overnight from vehicles in Wicklands Avenue, Chichester Drive East, Withyham Avenue and Heathfield Avenue.
The break-ins happened on Sunday 26 June, Sussex Police said today.
Inspector Bill Whitehead, from the neighbourhood policing team, said: “It is expensive and frustrating for workers to have to replace their specialist equipment, items which are personal to them and earned through hard work.
“It could potentially cost them money is lost work while they try and find the right tools for the job.
“The crimes were committed within a wide area of Brighton, with the two hotspots being the top of Coombe Road in Bevendean and Saltdean.
“I am urging workmen to remove their tools from their cars and vans when finishing work for the day, to secure them in a locked area and to use a sticker in the vehicle to tell would-be thieves that no tools are kept onboard overnight.
“Police are appealing for witnesses. Anyone with information is urged to contact police immediately.
“Remember, car crime is not a victimless crime and the cost is felt by every car driver.”
Police are conducting house-to-house inquiries as they investigate the thefts.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Sussex Police on 0845 6070999.
