Old Town councillors launch consultation following parcel thefts in Swindon

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MAIL thieves are in the sights of Old Town councillors.

Claire Ellis and Nick Burns-Howell have launched a consultation following a number of parcel thefts from Old Town and Wichelstowe.

They hope to share the findings with police and the Royal Mail – in a bid to crack down on the opportunist thefts.

Parish councillor Mr Burns-Howell said that they wanted to hear from residents who had been targeted by post and parcel thieves.

He said: “While we are lucky enough to live in a relatively low crime area in Old Town, I’ve been shocked by a growing number of reports that residents’ post and parcels are being stolen.

“This was especially an issue over the festive period as many of us ordered parcels and presents online for our friends and family.

“Councillor Ellis and I are asking residents to get in touch if they have been victim to this crime, and we will be working with the police and the local community to raise awareness, and the steps we can take as a community to best protect ourselves against this type of crime.”

One Old Town man, 37, who did not want to be named, said his view of the neighbourhood had changed after a thief snatched parcels left out of sight outside his home before Christmas.

“It creates that kind of suspicion or untrusting neighbourhood feeling,” he said.

“The convenience that these modern companies offer with next day deliveries is being undermined by opportunist thieves.

“I like living in Old Town, but where there are opportunist thieves it makes you question a number of things – and not just related to post.

“You think about who’s in our community not behaving the way they should be.”

The crime victim, who has lived in Old Town for eight years, said that having a CCTV unit fitted to the outside his home had helped police identify the culprit.

He added: “It’s evidence in itself that the video footage has been requested by the police. Everything you can do to take down suspicious behaviour helps. The police are willing to review it.”


A spokeswoman for Royal Mail said: “The safety and security of mail is of the utmost importance to our business. Our staff do all they can to deliver every item of mail to its destination quickly and safely.”

She advised anyone with concerns about their mail to contact the company’s customer services team, by visiting http://www.royalmail.com/help" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; or calling 03457 740 740.

To respond to the stolen mail consultation, get in touch with Coun Burns-Howell, by emailing: nick@burns-howell.com.