Spare Wheel Thefts

Drivers of Ford Transit vans have been warned the vehicles’ spare wheels are being targeted by thieves. In a two day period in September 2010, the “spare” was stolen from three vehicles in East Cheshire.

Detective Sergeant Dan Ackerley, in charge of the Cheshire Police Eastern Area vehicle crime unit, said, "One of the thefts was in Crewe, the other two were in Middlewich. They all happened while the vehicles were parked overnight.

"The facts that the thefts all involved the same model of van and that in each case the spare wheel was taken may be a co-incidence, but it is possible that a criminal has found a market for these particular wheels and is stealing to order.

"We just want to warn Transit owners and drivers that this is happening. The best preventive measure is to park in a well lit area whenever possible. If it is covered by a security camera, that is even better.

"The thefts were on the weekend of the 4th and 5th September at Sutton Lane and Beech Street in Middlewich and at Wistaston Road in Crewe. Anyone who saw anything suspicious, or who has any information about the thefts can contact me by calling the Cheshire Police Information Line 101, or you can leave information anonymously on the Crimestoppers line 0800 555 111."

Please be aware and report anything suspicious.

JANE THIRSK
Watch Officer
Cheshire Police

Macclesfield Neighbourhood Policing Team 0845 458 6371
Police non-emergency number: 101

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Other Homewatch pages of current relevance: Briefs (recent crimes in the Macclesfield Division including Bollington, Kerridge and Pott Shrigley).

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