Armed gang targets West Midlands
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IN by Pete Swingler
Thieves held a gun to the head of a French truck driver and took him on a ride round the West Midlands before stealing his Renault curtainsider.
The attack happened on Monday 2 October, after police and the Road Haulage Association had warned hauliers that an organised gang was targeting vehicles in the area.
Police say that the 50-year
old Frenchman, who does not speak English, was targeted by the gang as he was driving his Renaul along the M6 near Junction 9 at Wednesbury A gun was pointed at the driver's head and he was ordered to follow a car driven by one of the gang to Hallens Drive, Wednesbury. The thieves then drove off with the alio; its green curtain-sided trailer is liveried "T Guiraud" in red. The truck, which was carrying plastic granules, was caught up in slow moving traffic when the hijacker jumped into the cab just after17:30hrs.
Anyone with information should contact Wednesbury police on 0121626 9020.
RHA area manager John Howells and the police had previously issued a series of warnings about a gang targeting trucks in the Wednesbury, Wolverhampton and Tipton areas. They say a number of HGVs have been ambushed in recent weeks; in some cases after the drivers had left their cabs to ask directions.
Some drivers were threatened with violence before their vehicles were stolen.
Howells says: "It appears that organised gangs are following lorries and striking when the drivers leave their cabs to ask directions—usually industrial estates. Hau firms and drivers should b+ their guard."
II PC Howard of Darlaston, Walsall, had a truck contai 110,000 worth of Hotr equipment stolen at Bull L Darlaston, a few days ago; & Sons of Kelvin Way, Bromwich had a Scania st complete with its cargo of minium ingots.