A man has been arrested after lorries were targeted at Strensham Services on the M5 near Worcester last night (Thursday).
Police attended the site following reports two men were acting suspiciously. 32 lorries had their curtains slashed however nothing was reported stolen from the vehicles.
A vehicle fled the services and was followed by officers before eventually being stopped near Junction 3 of the M5 northbound by a stinger, with support from West Midlands Police.
A man, aged 30, was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and theft and remains in police custody.
West Mercia Police has a proactive operation in place called Op Yard which is clamping down on criminal gangs targeting lorries and stealing their goods.
Officers carry out regular patrols at services stations and laybys being used by haulage drivers to park up overnight throughout the three counties we serve.
South Worcestershire Detective Chief Inspector Chris Percival said: “We were pleased to make an arrest after vehicles were targeted at Strensham services last night.
“We know most haulage thefts are connected to organised crime and the items they steal are likely sold on with the cash used to fuel further criminality.
“Those who are targeting service stations and laybys in our force area should be aware we are targeting them.”
Drivers can help us in our fight to prevent these thefts and follow some simple steps to help protect themselves: –
- Making sure they park in a secure area if possible.
- Parking your lorry where you can see it should you leave the vehicle.
- Park with your loading doors close to another vehicle or wall to make it harder for criminals to gain access.
