ACT Policing has released CCTV footage from a delivery van theft – one of four similar incidents they say have been reported to police in the past month.
Police say the white delivery van was reported stolen from Burn St, Downer about 4pm on Friday (8 October) while the driver was making a delivery.
The van was allegedly stolen by a man wearing a black cloth face mask. He was described as being of Caucasian appearance, tall, of slim build, with short light brown hair.
Police believe two other people were involved in these thefts. They were seen nearby in a stolen dark blue Subaru Outback at two of the thefts. The Subaru has since been located by police.
ACT Policing Officer in Charge – City Station Detective Inspector Adrian Craft said motorists need to be vigilant at all times when using their vehicles.
“Vehicle security is something everyone should take seriously, don’t make your car an attractive target by making it easy to steal,” Detective Inspector Craft said.
“We believe these offenders may be following delivery drivers, looking for the opportunity to steal their vans. These drivers should be aware of their surroundings, and if they believe they are being followed, either call police – safely – or drive to the nearest police station.
“I would also like to remind the community of the Outsmart the Offender website, which has plenty of tips to reduce the risk of car theft.”
Police are asking anyone who with CCTV or dash-cam footage from Burn St or Frencham St, Downer between 3.30pm and 4.15pm Friday to see if they have captured footage of that captured the white van or the dark blue Subaru.
Anyone with such footage should contact Crime Stoppers.
The theft came after two other delivery vans were stolen in similar circumstances from Campbell and Wright the previous day (7 October), and a fourth van was stolen in Braddon on Wednesday, 22 September.
Police believe the same people are responsible for all four thefts. Anyone with any information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Please quote reference 6927334. Information can be provided anonymously.
