Delivery drivers and motorists urged not to leave vehicles unattended following recent thefts across Staffordshire

Delivery drivers and motorists are being urged not to leave their vehicles unattended following a recent spate of thefts across Staffordshire.

Most recently, a van with around 200 parcels inside was stolen on Highfields Road in Chasetown shortly before 2pm on Monday while the driver was delivering parcels.

Around 20 minutes later, Staffordshire Police said it tracked down the van and found it abandoned in the Chasetown area.

On the same day, a separate theft was reported on Plover Close, Featherstone, when a silver Nissan was stolen, with the suspect described as a white man, in his late teens or early 20s.

The Nissan was later found abandoned in the Great Wyrley area and a large number of the parcels had been taken from inside.

Other reports of a similar nature going back to Thursday are also being investigated in the Lichfield area.

A spokesman for Staffordshire Police 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. 

"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.

"For specific advice on how you can protect your vehicle from thieves, visit our website here"