Theft concerns raised as another van has its engine removed
The van has had its engine removed (Image: NQ) A self-employed businessman has raised concerns after seeing a van with its engine removed in Horwich[1]. Chris Van-Hawarden discovered the badly damaged vehicle on Whitworth Street on Boxing[2] Day.
The engine has been taken away from the van with the case being the latest of several incidents where such thefts have taken place in Horwich. In October a van parked on Travers Street[3] belonging to WRPS Building & Scaffolding Contractors was targeted. And another similar incident was reported on Siemens Street earlier this month.
The Bolton News: Extensive damage has been caused
Mr Van-Hawarden, who has a van himself as part of his business[4], has expressed fears that he may be the victim of this crime. He said: “It’s the second one we’ve seen now and both really close to home. We noticed it while out walking.
“With being self-employed and having a van myself I am really worried about it. “We’ve constantly got the window open listening out for anything during the night. “We just want more patrols around to try and stop this kind of action.”
The Bolton News: The vehicle was targeted on Whitworth Street
Ward councillor David Grant also said the problem was worrying. He said: “I suspect it is being done for organised crime[5] groups. “Vans and cars costs tens and thousands of pounds so of course it is a concern.
“I am sure the police[6] are looking into it.” Before the incidents in Horwich[7] there were reports of similar thefts in Wigan. A police spokesperson said at the time: “Since the start of August 2023 we have had eight offences in the Wigan area in which vehicle parts have been stripped and stolen from parked and secure vehicles.
“These have occurred all over the district with no distinctive hotspot area. “The offences contain a variety of makes of vans and cars, with the common factor they all have had front end parts stolen.” “Officers from Wigan and Merseyside conducted a search of a garage in the St Helens area on Monday, September 25, which uncovered two stolen engines and a stolen van.
Story continues “A man was arrested in the Wigan area on suspicion of going equipped for theft and two counts of theft of a motor vehicle. “The male has been bailed for further enquiries.”
If you have any information contact police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.