HGV stolen in Garstang used in organised crime

The vehicle, belonging to Capsticks Home Design on Green Lane West was stolen shortly after midnight last night after thieves gained access by lifting the compounds large metal gates from their hinges.

Police have established that the HGV, which was later recovered displaying false registration plates, was used to commit further crime in Manchester around 5am in the morning and are now appealing for witnesses to a second vehicle suspected to be involved in the crime and parked on Birch Road around 11.30pm.

A spokesperson for Garstang and Over Wyre Police said: “We are pleased to be able to confirm that we have recovered the vehicle, which was displaying false registration plates however the hard work now begins to try and identify the offenders.

“We have managed to establish that the vehicle was then used to commit further crime in the Manchester area around 5.00am which shows the organised and cross border nature of the team who carried this out.

“We are interested from anyone that may have seen this wagon between between 12.20pm and 5.30am on January 20 in order to establish the route that the team took.

“We’re also interested in any vehicles that may have been seen travelling in convoy with the HGV -registration plates are excellent, but colour, make and model will all help us.”

Police suspect that the team of thieves had a vehicle parked around the corner on Birch Road and left in the direction of the A6.

To contact police with information ring 01995 607869, 101 or email at [email protected] using the log number 148/20-01-15