Professional thieves target Brands

THE sneak thieves warned of by police yesterday struck again last night in the Brands Hatch campsites – and they are so good at their work that even the police are forced to admit how expert they are.

The thieves work by slipping into tents, either by brazenly pretending it’s their own and going in through the front, or by slicing the side with a knife and rummaging round through the contents.

It’s the work of seconds, and several race fans fell victim last night to the crime, the most popular items taken including mobile phones and wallets.

One officer at Brands said: “These are people who have some here especially to do this.. they are very good at it and hugely confident. People have probably had these guys in their tent while they were occupied and not even noticed it. Other times, you’ll see them and as cool as cucumbers they’ll make out they are drunk and in the wrong tent by accident. We can simply reiterate our warning to be on the look out and to keep your valuables hidden or on your person.”

In another incident, one man was taken to hospital for treatment to minor injuries after a scuffle broke out in the early hours. Another man is being questioned by police.