Driver's van stolen while he buys ice cream on High Gate Common car park

Camp Hill Road car park
-Credit: (Image: Google)


A Ford Transit van was stolen while the driver turned his back to buy an ice cream on a Midlands car park. The black-coloured vehicle was swiped while the driver had turned his back over High Gate Common, in the Enville area of South Staffordshire.

The driver had left his keys in the ignition and the vehicle was stolen within minutes of him leaving it on Sunday afternoon (September 29). Staffordshire Police believe a black Audi was used in the theft, as the car was seen in convoy with the van shortly afterwards.

Officers have launched an appeal to trace the van and suspects, with the last three digits of the stolen vehicle being GEW. The force said there were lots of people parked up when the van was stolen. The beauty spot is a popular walking site for people from the Black Country and Staffordshire.

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A spokesperson for Staffordshire Police said: "We’re appealing for information after a black Ford Transit van was stolen while parked in Enville. It happened at about 1.30pm on Sunday (29 September).

"The driver of the van left it in a car-park off Camp Hill Road, High Gate Common, to go to an ice cream van. The keys were in the ignition at the time.

"Within minutes, the offender got in the van and drove it away. We think a black Audi may have also been involved in the theft. It was seen in convoy with the stolen van shortly after it was taken.

"Officers are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time as part of our enquiries to track the van down. There were lots of people parked up when the theft happened and we think they might have important information that can help us.

"The last three digits of the registration plate of the stolen van are GEW. If you can help, get in touch by calling 101, quoting incident 353 of 29 September, or use Live Chat on our website. To report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."