POLICE are warning drivers to be vigilant following two reports of vehicles being stolen during drop-offs.

officers are investigating after two vehicles were stolen during deliveries in Newcastle in just three days.

The first incident took place just after 10pm on Friday, January 24, when a grey VW Golf was stolen from Greenford Road in Walker.

It was taken by thieves after the driver briefly left his vehicle with the keys still in it during a food delivery.

The vehicle is yet to be recovered.

Enquiries into that offence are still ongoing but last Monday morning we received a report of a similar theft.

A man was delivering food to a business premises on Newcastle Quayside when his van was targeted by thieves.

The vehicle had been again left with the keys in it during the delivery at which point it was stolen.

It was found abandoned a short time later after being involved in a collision on St Ann’s Close in Byker.

Nobody has been arrested in connection with either of the thefts but we are now warning delivery drivers to be vigilant.

Sergeant Gavin Quiney, of the Newcastle East Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “It is unusual to have two incidents of this nature in a matter of days.

“We will keep an open mind as to whether the same people are responsible and investigations into the thefts are ongoing.

“To be clear, the only people responsible for these incidents are the thieves who took the vehicles but there are steps drivers can take to safeguard their property.

“If you are carrying out a delivery then please don’t leave your engine running or leave your keys in the vehicle when you are not in it.

“These two incidents show how quickly opportunistic thieves will act and the consequences for you and your business could be significant.

“We would encourage anyone who notices anyone acting suspiciously around delivery vehicles to contact us straight away.”

To report suspicious behaviour to police you can do so by calling 101.