Warning after delivery drivers targeted in Staffordshire with hundreds of parcels stolen

A warning has been issued to delivery drivers in Staffordshire after a spike in vehicle thefts saw hundreds of parcels stolen. A van with around 200 parcels inside was stolen in Highfields Road in Chasetown just before 2pm yesterday, Monday, November 18) as the driver was making a delivery.

The van was found around 20 minutes later, abandoned nearby. The same day a silver Nissan with a large number of parcels was stolen in Plover Close, Featherstone. It was found dumped in the Great Wyrley area and the parcels had been taken. The suspect was described as a white man in his late teens or early 20s.

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Staffordshire Police said it had received reports of similar thefts targeting delivery drivers in the Lichfield area going back to Thursday, November 14. The force urged delivery drivers to be on their guard and to lock their vehicles, particularly in the run-up to Christmas.

The force said: “We’re urging people, particularly delivery drivers, not to leave their vehicles unlocked and unattended for any period of time. Thieves and opportunists may be looking for easy opportunities to jump into vehicles that are still running, especially in the lead-up to Christmas when high-value parcels are being delivered to people across the county.

“Similarly, motorists should not leave their vehicles unattended while defrosting. It’s another easy chance for thieves to get in your vehicle and drive it away quickly. Make sure they are locked and secured while unattended at all times. We’re working proactively to go after the groups responsible for vehicle theft across Staffordshire.

“For specific advice on how you can protect your vehicle from thieves, visit our website. We’ve got a range of tactics at our disposal and are continuing to work closely with neighbouring police forces to track down the thieves responsible, no matter where they go.”