12 October 2021

Police release footage of alleged delivery van thief in action

| Kim Treasure
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Police believe this man may be involved in the theft of delivery vans. Photo: ACT Policing.

ACT Policing is warning delivery van drivers to be vigilant following four thefts in the past month.

Police have released CCTV footage from one of the delivery van thefts in the hope that someone can help identify the alleged perpetrator.

The white delivery van was reported stolen from Burn St, Downer at about 4 pm 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 is 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.

Police are asking anyone who has CCTV or dash-cam footage from Burn St or Frencham St, Downer, between 3:30 pm and 4:15 pm on Friday to check if they have captured footage of the white van or the dark blue Subaru.

Anyone with such footage should contact CrimeStoppers.

The theft came after two other delivery vans were stolen in similar circumstances from Campbell and Wright the previous day (7 October). A fourth van was stolen in Braddon on Wednesday, 22 September.

Police believe the same people are responsible for all four thefts.

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Anyone with any information is urged to contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the CrimeStoppers ACT website. Please quote reference 6927334. Information can be provided anonymously.

Drivers are reminded to never leave a vehicle unattended with the engine running or unlocked with the keys inside, and to lock their cars, even if they’re only leaving them for a few seconds.

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.”

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