A Makita nail gun was among the assortment of power tools stolen from the van.

Police are appealing for witnesses after an assortment of power tools were stolen from a work van in Cheltenham earlier this month despite the owner confronting the thieves.

The unknown offenders threatened the owner with a crowbar when he challenged them as they forced entry to the van parked on Winchester Way on Sunday 8 May.

It happened at about 11.10pm that day. The stolen tools included a Mitre saw, Makita nail gun, Paslode nail gun, angle grinder, two circular saws, a multi saw, three Dewalt batteries and a jig saw.

“The victim confronted the men and was threatened with a crowbar. It is believed that they then fled the scene in a grey Audi A3,” said a Gloucestershire Police spokesperson.

“Enquiries are ongoing to identify the car however officers would like to speak to a cyclist who rode past as the theft was taking place.

“Their gender is unknown but they were wearing a high visibility jacket and a helmet.

“Investigating officers are asking for anyone who witnessed suspicious activity or saw this taking place to come forward.

“You can provide information to police online by completing the following form and quoting incident 487 of 8 May: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/

“Alternatively you can call police on 101 or submit information anonymously to the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or online at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/

“Advice on how to help keep your vehicle safe from crime can be found here: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/keeping-vehicles-safe/vehicle-safe-and-sound/”