11 December 2023 , 11:37
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Crooks are targeting vans delivering Christmas gifts and demanding drivers hand over "expensive parcels", police have warned.
On the morning of December 2, Merseyside police rushed to a report of three men targeting a parked van as the driver carried out a delivery. The men allegedly smashed in the van’s door to gain access then stole a number of parcels and fled. Barely 15 minutes later, police said they struck again around one mile away. The three men were said to have poured out of a black Ford Focus and "threatened" the driver, police said, demanding he open the van and asking for the "expensive parcels". They loaded them into the car and raced off once more.
Joseph Smith, 21, of Church Lane, Bedford was arrested and later charged with two robberies, dangerous driving, and driving with no insurance. He was remanded in custody to appear at Liverpool Magistrates Court on Saturday 9 December, where he was further remanded to appear again on January 5.
Detective Inspector Emma Kerrigan added: "Delivery drivers provide a vital service all year round, but especially at this time of year when they will be busy delivering gifts and helping families enjoy the festive season. For them to be faced with threats of violence while they try to earn a living is simply not acceptable. We have launched an investigation into these incidents and while we have made an arrest, our enquiries continue and we appeal to the public to come forward.
"We launched this year’s Operation Shepherd last week, an extensive force-wide operation involving a wide variety of teams, each with their own area of expertise, and they all play a part in keeping our communities safe over the festive period. A key element of Operation Shepherd is our efforts to prevent crime more likely to happen at the time of year, including the targeting of delivery vans and homes as people prepare for Christmas.
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"We’ve working with online retailers and delivery companies to prevent and deter would-be thieves from stealing packages whether it is from delivery vans or doorsteps. For example, placing trackers in random packages before they even get to the doorstep - as the tracked packages are identical to the non-tracked ones, there’s no way for potential thieves to be sure if they’re inadvertently taking us home with them."
As a part of Merseyside Police’s Operation Shepherd Campaign, they shared ten tips to help drivers stay safe:
Be aware of any vehicle following you. If followed, do not exit the vehicle, keep doors locked, keep moving, and call the police
If something does not look or feel right, do not make the delivery. Stay in your vehicle and report any suspicious activity to the police
Never leave your engine running or your keys in the ignition when making a drop. Always lock your doors, take your keys with you and remain vigilant when making your delivery
Be aware of your surroundings and avoid areas that are not well lit. Park under a streetlight if possible and carry a torch to illuminate dark areas and walkways
Be alert to anyone acting suspiciously in the immediate area of the delivery location
Ensure your vehicle is working properly
Fit a tracker on your vehicle and install dashcam
If you feel threatened, activate the panic alarm on your vehicle or sound your horn to draw attention to the situation and potentially deter the criminals
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Do not flash money during transactions and limit the amount of cash you carry
10. If an emergency occurs, remain at the scene only if it is safe and call 999. If it is not safe to remain at the scene, get to a place of safety and call 999
If you have any information, CCTV footage or dashcam footage relating to this incident, DM Merseyside Police on X via @MerPolCC quoting reference 23001216886, call 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. In an emergency always call 999.