News Release
Car parts stolen from parked vehicles
Dated: 20 Oct 2011
Police are appealing for witnesses after two parked cars were targeted by thieves.
Between 10.17am and 1.05pm on Tuesday, October 18 a grey Citroen Xsara Picasso had part of its exhaust system stolen whilst it was parked in a Metrocentre car park outside Ikea.
Then between 12.45pm and 1.30pm a red Citroen van also had a section of its exhaust pipe removed whilst it was parked in a car park at Cameron Park, close to the Metrocentre.
Sergeant Silvo Recchia who manages the policing team covering the Metrocentre and surrounding areas said: "These crimes have happened during the day possibly in front of unwitting witnesses. Usually this type of incident involves one offender lying underneath the vehicle and removing the car part very quickly before they make off in a nearby vehicle.
"To an onlooker, it may appear as though the offender is the owner of the vehicle attempting to repair a problem.
"We would urge people to report any suspicious behaviour to police, especially if they see persons inspecting the underneath of cars in a car park or street or by people using cutting-type equipment."
A dedicated team of officers are investigating these crimes and working with other forces and agencies to catch those responsible as well as looking at outlets where the property could be sold on.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 03456 043 043 ext 691 91 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.