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Wheel and tyre theft warning

18th May 1995, Page 16
18th May 1995
Page 16
Page 16, 18th May 1995 — Wheel and tyre theft warning
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by Miles Brignall • A wheel and tyre theft gang is leaving scores of vehicles propped up on breeze blocks in their own yards in an audacious string of thefts in eastern England.

Police are warning hauliers and dealers to be on their guard following break-ins to to haulage yards throughout the region. Similarities lead detectives to believe the thefts might be the work of one gang.

Norwich-based Mercedes-Benz dealership Jim Russell Commercials lost 42 new wheels when thieves cut through the perimeter fence of Norwich Airport to enter his cam pound. Sales manager Derek Brown says: "It must have taken several hours to remove the wheels and roll them away to a waiting vehicle. They even brought their own breeze blocks to put the trucks on."

Each wheel was worth £400 and three other dealerships in the area have also been targeted.

Islip, Northants-based Scania dealer Derek Jones Commercials lost 60 wheels and various parts in a raid in April. The thieves also took a Mercedes rigid to carry them away in. "In all, it has cost us £68,000. They were definitely professionals—they knew all the expensive parts to take," says Jones.

Rod Walker, traffic collator on Essex Police's lorry desk, says there is now a flourishing market in stolen wheels and thieves are using advanced equipment to remove the wheels at speed. Hauliers and dealers should be aware of the problem and take the necessary precautions, he says.

Tags

Organisations: Essex Police
Locations: Norwich, Northants

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