Van full of Christmas deliveries stolen in Salisbury
Police have described the thief as 'The Grinch' - but there's a happy ending!
Last updated 22nd Dec 2022
A delivery van, full of extra parcels due to the Christmas rush, has been stolen in Salisbury's Milford Street - and traced back by police.
The white Ford Transit was driven away yesterday afternoon at around 2.30pm, while its normal driver was making a delivery.
His mobile phone was still inside, which gave officers a chance to track it.
Wiltshire Police eventually caught up with the van in Radstock, over the border in Somerset, and began to chase it.
That ended when officers carried out what's called a 'low impact collision' in Stratton on the Fosse.
The driver ran away, but was quickly stopped.
An 18 year old male from the Salisbury area has been arrested and remains in custody in Melksham.
Police have described the offender as 'The Grinch', with a 'heart two sizes too small', in reference to the Dr Seuss story:
A Wiltshire Police spokesperson said:
"This was some excellent communication between the delivery company and the Warminster response officers."
The delivery van has been recovered and the items inside will be delivered, albeit with a bit of a delay.
There's an appeal for witnesses to either the theft of the van, or the manner it was driven, to get in touch with officers.
If you can help, you're asked to call 101, quoting reference number 54220133701.