People could be without parcels due to delivery drivers' mistake

People's parcels may not arrive in time for Christmas after a number of delivery vans were stolen.

Merseyside Police posted a statement on the Sefton Police Facebook page on Sunday to issue an urgent warning to delivery drivers following the thefts. Officers said there have been more than three incidents in the last week of vans used to deliver parcels being stolen in Merseyside.

They said this was because the drivers have left the van with the keys in the ignition and sometimes with the engine running. One of these vans, stolen in Southport was later found abandoned in Ainsdale.

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Police said the other vehicles have still not been found. It is unclear what delivery vans were stolen. A spokesperson for the force said vans are stolen for their "value and the value of the parcels being carried, especially at this time of year."

Officers warned delivery drivers that they should not leave their vans unsecured and with the keys in the ignition for "any short time".

Merseyside Police said: "There have been three or more incidents in the last week of vans used to deliver parcels being stolen, because the drivers have left the van with keys in the ignition and sometimes, even still with the engine running.

"One of these vans, stolen in Southport was later found abandoned in Ainsdale. Others however have still not been found. Vans are stolen for their value and the value of the parcels being carried, especially at this time of year.

"You SHOULD NOT leave your van unsecured and with the keys in the ignition for ANY short time. Help reduce the risk to yourself and your vehicle by securing your van each time you leave it."

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