In recent months 13 of the heavy vans have been stolen from locations in Great Barr and Kingstanding.

Most of the thefts have taken place at night but it is not known yet if they are connected.

Traffic officers have stepped up patrols in the constituency in a bid to identify the offenders.

PC Simon Harris, of the Birmingham West and Central Vehicle Crime Team, said: “We would encourage van drivers to consider stepping up the security of their vehicles.”

He urged owners to park their vehicles in a garage if possible and to ensure it is alarmed.

“Steering locks and immobilisers can also prove an effective deterrent and owners should always remove valuables from their vans overnight,” Harris added.