TWO brazen thieves were filmed ransacking a DPD delivery van in a quiet suburban street before speeding off in a getaway car in broad daylight.
Shocked residents watched the two crooks wearing masks and white boiler suits as they stuffed a sack with parcels after breaking into the van with a crowbar.
SuppliedThieves dressed in hazmat suits ransacked the van[/caption]
SuppliedThey grabbed dozens of packages and carried them off[/caption]
The pair then made off with the loot in a silver Peugeot hatchback that was waiting for them nearby at around 11am on Wednesday in Finchley, North London.
An eyewitness told The Sun that the driver was running up and down the street screaming “They’re robbing my van, they’re trying to steal my van”.
The witness said: “I could see two guys in these weird outfits using a crowbar to try and get into the van.
“They got into the van and pulled all the parcels onto the pavement.
“This is in Finchley Central, it’s a suburban street, so all the neighbours were watching. It was crazy.
“One of them was rummaging inside the van and the other one had this pathetic little sack and he started holding it open.
“I don’t know if they were looking for something specific because they didn’t seem to take very much.
“Then their getaway car arrived, they piled into the back and drove off.
“I spoke to the DPD driver and I think they forced him out of the van. I didn’t see that but I’m just going from what he said.
“He ran to a spare parts garage to get help from the people who work there.
“I don’t think he was assaulted, he didn’t look like he had been hurt but he was obviously very shaken up.”
The onlooker said that the attack appeared to have been planned.
The source said: “The driver said he thought they had been following him.
“I didn’t see this part but I think what must have happened is that as soon as he parked, they appeared and started to break into the van.
“It was clearly planned because they had a getaway car, they had the equipment they needed, they had full on disguises.
SuppliedShocked onlookers watched as the brazen heist unfolded before their eyes[/caption]
“They weren’t just randomly in the area and they weren’t just randomly stealing stuff because they only took what looked like a couple of things.
“It seemed like they were looking for something in particular.
“It was very stupid, you could see from their disguises that they looked very conspicuous.
“It would have been better to wear normal clothes and a mask rather than those strange boiler suits like they were working in a nuclear facility or something.
“They weren’t very smart about it and I can’t imagine that they’re going to get away with it.”
The stunned resident added that witnessing the incident was a sad indication of how bad crime has got in the area.
The witness said: “When I first moved here it was very chilled.
“There was never any violence or crime really but in the last five years it’s really changed.
“There’s a huge community of addicts that are everywhere and there was a drug-related murder of a really young kid about a year and a half ago.
“It just seems there’s a lot of crime happening in this area now so this DPD van thing kind of doesn’t surprise me because it’s become the norm.”
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “On Wednesday, 9 July at 11:33hrs police were called to Cornwall Avenue, N3 following reports of a theft.
“Officers attended the scene and spoke with a victim who stated that they had parcels stolen from their van.
“Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances. At this early stage, there has been no arrest.
“If you saw, or know anything then please contact police on 101 stating CAD3027/9July. You can also contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to remain anonymous.”
Your rights if your parcels end up missing or damaged – and how to get it sorted
By Lana Clements, Assistant Consumer Editor
MORE of us shop online these days to get gifts and necessities for Christmas.
But missing or damaged parcels can be a real headache.
Here are your rights to make sure you aren’t left out of pocket if things go wrong . . .
IF A PARCEL IS LOST: If the courier loses your order, the retailer is responsible for putting things right.
Immediately raise issues with the brand you ordered with, as it will be its responsibility to find your package.
If your item never shows, the retailer should issue a refund for your shopping.
When a delivery has taken more than 30 days, you can legally cancel the contract and get a refund.
Before you order, it’s a good idea to read the seller’s delivery terms and conditions. Some firms automatically leave items on the porch if you or your neighbours aren’t in so outline a safe place if you know you won’t be in.
You could argue there has been a breach of contract if a package is left on the doorstep without your permission.
IF IT’S LATE: Many retailers set deadlines for ordering to get goods in time for Christmas.
You are entitled to a full refund if something arrives later than promised.
You also have the right to cancel an order within 14 days if you order online or over the phone, and get your money back. This is handy to know if something arrives later than expected.
IF BAD WEATHER HITS: Storms, snow or ice can mean cancelled flights and transport delays which can hit delivery times.
But the retailer should attempt to arrange an alternative time if the bad weather caused you to miss your slot.
IF GOODS ARRIVE DAMAGED: It is the retailer’s responsibility to make sure items arrive in good condition.
If you contact them about the damage they should either offer to send you a new item or give you a refund.
Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
