Couriers urged to be vigilant following van thefts

Couriers are being warned to be vigilant while out on deliveries following an increase in the number of recently reported van thefts.

Police were first called to a business premises off Normacot Road, Longton, at around 9.35am on Thursday (23 December).

A blue Ford Transit van containing letters and packages was reported stolen.

Police were called again at 12.25pm to Lichfield Road in Rugeley where a white Ford Transit van was stolen.

The van was taken while the driver was out of the vehicle making a delivery.

It is believed that there were around 115 packages in the van at the time of the theft.

It is understood that two men were involved in the theft – with two men entering the van and driving off in the direction of Rugeley.

The men in the white van are described as white, in their mid-20s to early 30s, with one of the men clean-shaven wearing a black beanie hat.

Police were called again around four hours later to Queen Street in Burntwood.

A further white Ford Transit van was reported stolen at 3.20pm.

It was last seen on Great Charles Street in Walsall at around 3.30pm.

Officers are currently reviewing CCTV and dashcam footage of the areas at the time of the thefts and urge anyone who may have seen what happened to get in touch.

Inspector Chris Moss, of Cannock Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “At this time of year we see an increased number of couriers across the county so we are urging drivers to be vigilant and to always secure their vehicles.

“As a force, we would urge all drivers to avoid leaving vehicles unlocked or leaving keys in the ignition, even if you are still close by.

“Criminals will take any opportunity, however small.

“Couriers carry out a vital service and we do not want to see their livelihoods affected by these opportunistic thefts.”

Anyone with any information that could help the police with their enquiries should message Staffordshire Police on Facebook, Twitter, or call 101, quoting incident numbers 471 of 23 December.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

For more crime prevention advice, visit: Preventing car and vehicle theft | Crime Prevention | Staffordshire Police.