Thames Valley Police is urging lorry drivers to be more vigilant when parking up in Milton Keynes, after 180 flat screen televisions were stolen from a lorry overnight.

The theft happened sometime overnight on Wednesday (17/11/2010), and was reported to police by the lorry driver at 8am on Thursday morning (18/11/2010).

The side of the lorry was sliced open and 180 LG 37 inch flat screen televisions, with an approximate retail value of £63,000, were stolen.

PC Isen Wharton, investigating the incident, said: “We call these types of offences Op Hoist offences and we tend to see an increase in the run up to Christmas. Lorry drivers need to think about the security of their vehicles when choosing a place to park up for the night.

“Experience tells us that these televisions are unlikely to be sold in the area where they were stolen from, however I would urge anyone who is offered electrical items for sale on the cheap to call police.”

Lorry drivers can take a few simple steps to prevent their vehicles becoming the next target for thieves:

• Wherever possible park in secure parking areas provided by the companies you are delivering to.
• If there is no secure parking then park in well lit areas where there is regular passing traffic – this may deter offenders.
• Do not park in remote lay-bys. This leaves you vulnerable and makes you an easy target.
• If possible park in areas covered by CCTV as this will aid the police should you become a victim of this type of crime.

If you have information, please call the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505. If you don’t want to speak to police, or leave your name, please call the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.