Drivers urged to be vigilant after vans targeted

Drivers are being urged to be vigilant against vehicle theft and damage after a number of vans were targeted in Lichfield and Cannock on Wednesday (9 March). 

Officers were first called to an address off Worthington Road, Lichfield, at around 9.55am, following reports of vehicle crime.

The owner of a Ford Transit van reported that offenders had used tools to make two holes on the vehicle’s side-door panel in order to observe the contents inside.

However, nothing was reported stolen.

Officers were later called to a business premises on Watling Street, Cannock, at around 8.10pm the same day.

A number of offenders damaged a fence to gain entry to the premises and began to break into vans.

Thankfully, nothing was reported stolen.

Inspector Christopher Moss, of the Cannock Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “These type of offences can have a profound impact on the livelihoods of the victims.

“Van owners should remain vigilant and consider their vehicle’s security to mitigate the chances of them falling victim to such offences.

“Where possible, lock your van in a secure garage or use a steering lock to deter any opportunists from targeting your vehicle. If possible, make sure your van is parked in direct view of CCTV cameras.

“You should attempt to remove tools from vans overnight. An alternative can be to mark them clearly with their name using paint pens and sealing that with a clear lacquer spray.

“I would also suggest using a lockable cabinet and small cameras can also be installed inside vans.”

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

Anyone with information regarding these incidents should contact Staffordshire Police on Facebook, Twitter, or call 101, quoting incident 695 of 9 March.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.