4
Jun
2014
By Calvin at 08:57 GMT, 11 years ago
Police in Barnsley are issuing a warning message to private and trade vehicle sellers following the theft of a car and a minibus in less than 24 hours.
On 29 May, a white Ford Fiesta was stolen from a 36-year-old woman at around 4.45pm.
The woman had advertised the car on an online sales site. An unknown man called and arranged to view the car. He attended at her address on Abbots Road in Lundwood and looked around the car.
He asked if he could sit in the driver’s seat. When inside the car, he asked if the engine could be started as he wanted to check the rear parking sensors worked.
The woman started the engine but kept a foot on the doorsill. The man then sped off in the car with the woman holding on to the side, travelling at speed for about five metres until she lost her grip.
On 30 May, a white Ford Transit Minibus was stolen from a dealership on Pontefract Road.
A man asked to take the minibus for a test drive. A female member of staff accompanied him on the drive but on returning to the dealership, he dragged her out of the vehicle and sped off.
DC Kate Fullwood said: “Fortunately the women were not seriously injured but they are both incredibly shaken and upset by the incidents.
“I would urge anyone selling any type of vehicle to be vigilant and alert, and to report any suspicious activity immediately to the police.”
Anyone with information should call the police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, quoting incident number 686 of 29 May or 272 of 30 May, 2014. Always dial 999 in an emergency.
TCPW Comment: Although this method of stealing a vehicle is well-known it’s not that regularly used, because of the obvious implications for identification of the suspect. It’s good that the police have put this up, because it’s a warning for us all to be very careful when selling a car. If possible have another person with you at these times and never give up the keys until the sale has been agreed and settled.
Source South Yorkshire Police http://www.southyorks.police.uk/news-syp/selling-vehicle-police-warning-following-two-thefts#sthash.iFiqfTZE.dpuf
