Exhaust systems stolen from vans (From Prestwich and Whitefield Guide)

Exhaust systems stolen from vans

9:05am Thursday 18th October 2012 in News

POLICE are hunting for thieves who are stealing exhaust systems from vans across the borough.

Ten exhaust systems were taken from vans between Tuesday and Sunday last week.

Eight have been taken from Mercedes Sprinter vans, with the others from an Iveco van and a Citroen Relay.

The thefts took place overnight and the exhaust systems were taken in a matter of minutes, leaving the owners with a repair bill of several hundred pounds. It is believed they are being stolen for the platinum in the exhaust systems and catalytic converters.

The thefts took place in Fern Grove, Chesham; Lowes Road, Walmersley; Stewart Street, Walshaw; Walshaw Road, Bury; Prestbury Close, Bury; Bolton Road, Radcliffe; Bury Road, Radcliffe; Heywood Road, Prestwich; Infant Street, Prestwich; and Craigwell Road, Prestwich. Police believe the thieves are travelling in a van — possibly a Ford Transit — and they are asking residents to be vigilant.

Det Insp Amber Waywell, from Bury’s volume crime team, said: “These exhausts are being taken overnight. We are asking anyone who is awake at night to look out for vans coming down their street or cul-de-sac which don’t belong there and to let us know.

“I want people to call us if they see anything suspicious.” She also urged van owners to think carefully about where they leave their vehicle overnight.

Det Insp Waywell said: “We want people who own vans to be extra vigilant, maybe park somewhere else or on a private driveway.

“If you have CCTV, make sure it’s angled on your van to keep it safe.”

Anyone with information about the thefts is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.