HGV drivers warned after number of hoovers stolen from back of lorry parked at services

HGV drivers are being urged to remain vigilant after a number of pallets containing Henry hoovers were stolen from the back of a lorry parked overnight at a service station in Staffordshire.

Police were called at 6.50am on Friday (14 January) to Hilton Park Services on the M6 northbound following reports of theft.

Officers attended and a HGV driver reported that offenders had cut the curtains to his articulated lorry while being parked overnight and accessed some of the vehicle’s contents.

A number of pallets containing Henry hoovers were reported stolen.

It is believed that the theft took place at around 3.45am on Thursday.

It comes as, during the previous day (13 January) officers were called shortly after 7am to Stafford Services on the M6 southbound following reports of suspicious activity.

A lorry driver reported that multiple HGVs had been damaged in the area overnight, with offenders having cut-off seals in order to gain entry and view the items inside.

However, nothing was reported stolen.

Officers are currently reviewing CCTV footage of the areas at the time of the incidents and urge anyone who may have dashcam footage from the locations to get in touch.

Contact Staffordshire Police on Facebook, Twitter, or call 101, quoting incident number 082 of 14 January.

Officers advise that in order to keep your vehicle safe from theft, you should:

• Plan your journey – make sure you know where you are going to park for any overnight rest breaks
• If possible, avoid laybys and other insecure parking locations
• Always secure your lorry if left unattended
• Lock trailer doors whilst driving
• Park with the trailer doors close to another vehicle or wall
• Ensure trailer doors are closed, whether loaded or not
• Lock your cab and take the keys when loading or unloading
• Avoid taking the same routes or stops for breaks - a recognisable pattern makes you an easier target for criminals
• Arrange a procedure with your company for authorising any changes to delivery destination or method of unloading
• When returning to your lorry, check for signs of any interference.