Crimewave villains target the Transits

The warning has been issued by police who have launched a purge on the crooks who are stripping vans down to their body shell and selling on the stolen parts.

Some of the victims are self-employed tradesmen robbed of their wheels, tools and livelihoods.

Inspector Mick Gradwell, at Accrington police station, said: "There are well-organised teams targeting these vans who are capable of stripping a Transit van within an hour." He is liaising with other divisions and neighbouring forces collating information on the crimewave.

"We have had some arrests but is does seem to be a current trend," added Inspector Gradwell.

Of the 50 Transit vans stolen in Hyndburn over the last 12 months, half have not been recovered.

Of those recovered 40 per cent have been picked clean of everything from their engines and gear boxes to axles and tyres.

Vans gone from Accrington have turned up in Church, Huncoat, Hapton and Burnley, as well as miles away in Bolton and Hebden Bridge.

At the same time vans stolen from Burnley and the Manchester area have been found stripped on Hyndburn's patch.

Some looted shells have been recovered near temporary gipsy sites or on wasteland at Altham. The vans, in particular diesels, have ranged from E-reg to brand new and in value from £3,000 to around £14,000.

Inspector Gradwell is recommending owners take extra security measures, particularly the self-employed like joiners, builders and mobile mechanics.

"If possible they should empty their vans of tools at night."

Inspector Gradwell said: "I would also ask people to be vigilant. If they see people acting suspiciously with transit vans or stripping them give us a call at Accrington police station."

The police station number is 01254 382141, or information can be passed on confidentially on the free Crimestoppers phoneline on 0800 555111.

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