WATCH: CCTV shows Black Country burglary gang in action
An electrical contractor targeted twice by thieves is warning fellow tradesmen to be on their guard.
Sukhdev Singh, who had his new work van raided just before Christmas, was hit again on January 24.
Having lost a drill during the first incident, Mr Singh was left with a bill of between £700 and £800 following the second raid.
The 37-year-old believes his key fob was cloned by the gang – who were caught in the act on his CCTV – to unlock his van without using a key.
They eventually took two battery-powered DeWalt drills, one electric DeWalt drill, a circular saw and a crowbar.
WATCH: CCTV shows burglars in action
Mr Singh, who lives in Jubilee Drive, West Bromwich, with his wife and two children, said he had since been forced to add extra security.
He had already installed a motion detector and cameras following the first theft, but has now added CCTV that operates 24-7 and a PA system to scare off any would-be thieves.
"My main aim is make people aware of what's going on because I never thought my vans could be targeted in that way," he said.
"It seems they used a remote control device, which sends signal to the key fob, even if it's inside.
"A signal is then relayed back to the device owned by the thieves and unlocks the van, without even needing a key."
Mr Singh said he thought one of his children had accidentally unlocked his van before Christmas, when a drill was taken, but now he believes it was the same thieves.
"Luckily, there weren't too many tools in the van because it was all I needed for the day," he said.
"I thought my son had played with the key fob, because the van was unlocked.
"I replaced the drill but following the second raid it was the only tool that wasn't taken.
"I've now upgraded my security system, with 24-7 CCTV cameras and a PA speaker system, which even scares me sometimes when it's used.
"Now I also park my vans close to the house, so the doors cannot be opened.
"I also park the new van next to my old one so the doors cannot be opened, and if they roll the vans forward it's in a tight left-hand lock, so wouldn't roll very far.
"It's a shame I've had to do all this but I wouldn't be surprised if they tried to come back again.
"At least now the intruders will know a third break in attempt will not be an easy one."
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "We are investigating reports of a theft.
"Anyone with information can contact us via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight, call 101 anytime or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
"Please quote crime reference number 20SW/20626F/20."
