Police warn Sprinter drivers to beware after theft increase
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By Hayley Pink DRIVERS OF Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans are being warned to be on guard following a rise in thefts from the north Birmingham area.
Perry Barr police have reported 13 Sprinter thefts in recent months, with offenders mostly striking at night-time at locations in Great Barr and Kingstanding. At this stage, it is unclear whether the thefts are connected.
PC Simon Harris of the Birmingham West and Central Vehicle Crime Team, says that the vans are being broken into via the quarter lights located on the front doors. The glass is removed, thereby allowing thieves to reach in and unlock the van doors. Criminals have then been caught on CCTV driving away in the vehicles, having bypassed the factory itted in-built immobiliser and alarm system.
Harris adds: “We would encourage all van drivers to consider stepping up the security of their vehicles.
“If possible, owners should park their vans securely in a garage and ensure it is suitably alarmed. Steer ing locks and immobilisers can also prove an effective deterrent and owners should remove valuable tools from their vans overnight.” Anyone with information on the thefts can call the Birmingham Vehicle Crime Team on 0345 113 5000.