Officers urge couriers to be cautious following offences in South Staffordshire

Officers are urging delivery van drivers to be vigilant following an attempted theft and theft of delivery vans in South Staffordshire on November 29.

In the first incident, officers were called to Coppice Lane, Cheslyn Hay at around 2.10pm following reports of an attempted theft of a delivery van.

It is reported a man, wearing a yellow jacket, got out of a white Ford Transit van and attempted to steal a white Mercedes Sprinter van belonging to the delivery driver who had got out of his van.

The offender was unable to steal the Mercedes van as the driver had the vehicle keys.

In the second incident, officers were called to Whitgreave Avenue, Featherstone at around 3pm following reports of a theft of a courier van.

It is believed the offender got out of a van and jumped into a white Renault Trafic van which he then drove off in. The delivery driver had crossed the road having got out of the Renault van.

The offender is described as a white male and was wearing a black scarf, black hat and gloves.

The van was seen on a trailer travelling between junctions 14-15 on the M6 at around 8.47pm on November 29.

It is believed the van was abandoned at the junction of Old Fallings Crescent and Dickinson Avenue, Wolverhampton and recovered by West Midlands Police.
Couriers are being urged to stay vigilant and always secure their vans while making deliveries.

Chief Inspector David Wain, South Staffordshire Neighbourhood Policing Commander, said: “At this time of year, couriers are extremely busy. We ask drivers to be vigilant and 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. If you do leave your van insecure, this could affect your insurance.

“Couriers have been doing a vital job in the current climate and we don’t want to see their livelihoods affected. Along with providing them with advice on how to stay safe we equally want to hear from anyone with information on the recent incidents in South Staffordshire.”

Anyone with any information on the incidents should message Staffordshire Police on Facebook or Twitter quoting incident number 366 and 427 of November 29, call 101 or alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.