Information Appeal - Theft From Motor Vehicles - Haydock And St Helens

Merseyside Police is appealing for information following a number of thefts from motor vehicles in Haydock and St Helens last week.

An investigation has been launched after three thefts of catalytic converters and other motor parts were reported to have taken place on Monday 23 July 2012.

The first incident is believed to have happened between the hours of 4pm and the early hours of the following morning (Tuesday 24 July) in the Chain Lane area of St Helens.

Another two thefts were reported, one believed to have happened overnight in Bellephron Way, Haydock and the third at around 10.45pm on Monday evening at a business premises in Millfield Lane, Haydock.

All thefts were of high value catalytic converters and filters from work vans. The value of the parts is estimated to be £7,000.

As part of the ongoing investigation, officers have conducted enquiries in the local areas, sought CCTV footage and crime scene investigators have examined the scenes.

Given that these thefts occurred in a short space of time and were of similar items, detectives are both appealing for information and also warning members of the public to be aware of this type of crime.

Detective Constable Roy Waller: "These thefts are very much targeted on particular vehicles, namely Mercedes Sprinter vans and Vauxhall Movano vans. If you own one of these vehicles I urge you to report any suspicious behaviour to us as this information will help both our investigation and help safeguard your vehicle.

"Likewise if you were in the areas of Millfield Lane or Bellerophon Way in Haydock or Chain Lane in St Helens at the time of the incidents and saw anything suspicious or have information related to the thefts please contact us."

Anyone with information about the thefts is asked to contact Merseyside Police on 0151 777 6038 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.