POLICE are urging delivery drivers not to leave their keys in their vehicles after two vans were stolen in the same afternoon.

The vans were both stolen last Thursday whilst their drivers were delivering parcels.

At around 3.05pm on Almond Grove, Stockton, a white van was stolen with some parcels and the driver's personal belongings inside.

The second theft happened on Norton Road near to the Jet Garage, where a delivery driver’s van was stolen around 3.40pm.

The driver was hit by the vehicle and suffered a broken wrist.

The vehicle was later located in the Thornaby area, with several of the parcels stolen.

Officers are asking anyone in the areas at the time to check any dash cam footage.

Superintendent Sharon Cooney said: “Whilst leaving keys in the ignition or in the door of your vehicle for just a few moments can be convenient, it can take just seconds for an opportunist thief to jump into a vehicle and drive away.

“The impact of having a vehicle stolen in this manner can be huge; not only for insurance purposes as this may become invalid, but anyone who relies on their transport for work can therefore potentially risk their income.

“We would always advise people to take their keys with them, even if they’re going to be away from the vehicle for just a few moments, to remove the opportunity for thieves to take advantage of this.

"We know that people shouldn’t have to, but it’s a sad reality that there are people out there who look for opportunities to steal like this.”

Anyone with information regarding either of the incidents above is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or go online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.