DIY SOS star Nick Knowles is backing a ‘slow van protest’ through Guildford and Woking today (Saturday, May 12) by drivers across the county who have been targeted by thieves.

In April, after thousands of pounds worth of tools were stolen from the van of a volunteer in his BBC One show, Mr Knowles said ‘letting criminals off with a £60 fine’ was damaging to working-class families, who could lose their livelihood as a result.

Woking electrician Darren Pearce organised the slow convoy as a protest at the police for ‘doing nothing’ about the high number of tool thefts from vans across the county and the country.

Mr Pearce lost all his tools in December 2017, when his van was broken into at a pub in Puttenham.

He complained: “The police closed the case within 12 hours. They didn’t check the CCTV, they just gave me a number.”

Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner David Munro said: “I know how frustrating thefts from vehicles can be and the effect it can often have on people’s livelihoods.

“My office has been made aware of plans for a slow drive protest through parts of Surrey and I would be happy to meet the organisers in person to discuss their concerns about this issue.

“I would like to remind all van drivers to remain vigilant.”

Surrey Police and Hampshire Constabulary have both urged motorists to be vigilant following a spate of reported crimes, which included an increased number of thefts from secure Ford Transit vans.

Hampshire Constabulary also reported a spate of crimes across East Hampshire, which included an increased number of thefts from the same model vans.

East Hampshire Community Support Officer Darryl Hook explained thieves were using a Ford Tibbe pick and decoder tool, readily available online for around £20, to gain entry to Ford Transits.

Rather than stealing the vehicle, thieves are helping themselves to the tools inside.