Wiltshire Police are warning hauliers to take extra precautions in the run-up to Christmas, following several high-volume thefts from trucks parked in lay-bys. Witnesses have been asked to come forward after the artics were targeted along the A303 corridor. The size of the loads stolen indicates that the offenders may be using another truck to transport them.
Goods stolen include fridges, fridge-freezers and clothing, all while the drivers were
asleep. The first theft occurred between 11.30pm on 5 November and 6am the following morning. The driver was parked up in a lay-by six miles from the Andover side of Amesbury, and it wasn't until he drove to services at Amesbury that he discovered some of his load of white goods were missing.
The second and third thefts were discovered on the morning of 7 November, within six miles of each other - one near Mere heading towards Wincanton, and the other on the A303 at Chicklade. The driver near Mere awoke to find his curtainsider slashed and some of his load of medical clothing stolen, and the third lost two pallets of medical sweets.
Detective Inspector Mark Power says: "Police have placed signs warning of thefts in lay-bys along the A303 and have increased evening patrols of the areas. "We are urging lorry drivers to take extra precautions when they park up overnight and be alert to the risk of theft."
Contact Wiltshire Police on 0845 408
7000, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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