Last week there were 19 offences across the West Midlands where delivery drivers were targeted and subject of theft with hundreds of parcels stolen.
Have you left your Christmas shopping late this year? Are you ordering special gifts for loved ones? How disappointed would you be they were stolen?
Police are asking you to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour around delivery drivers, couriers and postal workers.
We’ve all had the change the way we shop this year, with high demand placed upon on our courier network.
Unfortunately parcel thieves target delivery vehicles for valuable items, and have been known to loot parcels, and steal vans and cars.
Last week there were 19 offences across the West Midlands where delivery drivers were targeted and subject of theft with hundreds of parcels stolen. There have been 162 offences since 1 October.
In some cases, violence has been used – which is completely unacceptable.
Police are also reminding delivery drivers not to leave engines running and to remove keys and secure vehicles every time they are left unattended. This applies to courier company employees and also self-employed couriers.
Police do also ask our communities to look out for any suspicious behaviour – and remember if you’ve been offered something for sale – at a price that seems too good to be true – it could be stolen.
Please report anything that doesn’t feel right.
If you’re a delivery driver, it’s vital that you:
• Don’t leave engines running or vehicles unlocked
• Never leave the keys in the vehicle
• Secure your vehicle every time, no matter how short your stop will be
• Be aware of your surroundings
• Put your own safety first
WMP continue to work with delivery companies to share crime prevention and safety messages so that we can all receive the parcels we have ordered. We have also increased our patrols in areas where crimes have happened.