Opportunist thieves drive off in mail van

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 26 Nov 2008, 14:43

http://www.thisissouthdevon.co.uk/news/ ... ticle.html

POLICE are probing the opportunist theft of a Royal Mail van in Paignton containing several parcels of post.

It is thought the number of packages stolen from the 'hijacked' vehicle may run into double figures, although the Royal Mail have not confirmed the figure.

The driver of the red Vauxhall Combo van was delivering one of the packages in Colley End Road when the thieves struck.

Detectives have confirmed that the van was left insecure, unattended and with the keys still in the ignition when it was taken between 4pm and 4.20pm a week ago today.

Within an hour the vehicle was found abandoned in Great Parks Road, but without the contents of the packages which had been tampered with.

A Royal Mail spokesman revealed that staff were now in the process of contacting addressees to establish the contents of the packages which had been ripped open.

"Just a small amount of packages were involved. They had been violated.

"We now have to get permission from the addressees to retain the packaging as it may form potential evidence in an subsequent court action," said the spokesman.

All the victims are known to live in the Paignton town centre area.

The spokesman said the thief's haul was comparatively meagre because the van had been snatched towards the ends of its delivery round.

He said the Royal Mail would be launching an inquiry into the circumstances of the theft.

He would not comment on any possible disciplinary action the driver might face as a result of the incident.

"All the people whose mail is affected will be visited personally by our staff. Obviously, we do not know the contents of the packages at this stage," he said.

Police are anxious to hear from anyone who may have heard or seen anything suspicious in Colley End Road at the time of the van's theft.

They also want to hear from people who might have seen the vehicle being abandoned in Great Park Road before 5.20pm.

They should contact DC Stu Sweatman at Paignton Police Station's burglary and vehicle team on 08452 777444, quoting crime FP/08/4044.

He said the remains of the packages had been sent away for forensic analysis as part of the theft inquiry.

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 26 Nov 2008, 14:46

Detectives have confirmed that the van was left insecure, unattended and with the keys still in the ignition when it was taken between 4pm and 4.20pm a week ago today.

I am sorry to say that this postie, whatever length of service, and no matter if its a first mistake will probably be sacked. Its a sad thing to happen especially at this time of year. I hope against hope that they beat the odds.

brothermagrew · Post by **brothermagrew** » 26 Nov 2008, 15:30

TrueBlueTerrier wrote:
Detectives have confirmed that the van was left insecure, unattended and with the keys still in the ignition when it was taken between 4pm and 4.20pm a week ago today.
I am sorry to say that this postie, whatever length of service, and no matter if its a first mistake will probably be sacked. Its a sad thing to happen especially at this time of year. I hope against hope that they beat the odds.

Have to agree, integrity of the mail is one of Royal Mail's primary concerns and things on first appearance do not look good for the individual postie concerned. Sackable offence, only need to ask those who have gone before them for not securing the mail properly. Van left insecure, unattended and keys in the ignition now that is asking for trouble for a split moments indecision. Ignition off, keys out, mail in the back of the van, and doors locked securely is the order of the day.

not me · Post by **not me** » 26 Nov 2008, 15:42

i just dont get why they do this. these vans have remote locking so its a case of pushing a button.
you can even do it carrying stuff
would they leave their car wide open with keys full of their familys xmas presents?

DGP1 · Post by **DGP1** » 26 Nov 2008, 19:28

custard wrote:i just dont get why they do this. these vans have remote locking so its a case of pushing a button.
you can even do it carrying stuff
would they leave their car wide open with keys full of their familys xmas presents?

I agree and it all takes extra time which can only benefit us

swoosta · Post by **swoosta** » 27 Nov 2008, 10:14

This Happened to a Stevenage postman, hes was sacked after 46 years service. Van found on gypsies site

NWpostie · Post by **NWpostie** » 27 Nov 2008, 22:29

swoosta wrote:This Happened to a Stevenage postman, hes was sacked after 46 years service. Van found on gypsies site

theiving Gypos, I know it sounds racist,but thats fact, Gypsies see the rest of us as fair game but don't steal off their own, due to their weird code of honour.

Re The Driver, I am afraid it is a foregone conclusion that the Postman will be sacked, previously it used to be a 2 year warning and taken off driving for 6 -12 months in some cases, now RM is clamping down and sacking anybody doing this, this will save them redundancy money.