Suspected opportunistic thief arrested in Stroud

A suspected thief has been arrested after a resident dialled 999 to report suspicious behaviour in Stroud in the early hours of this morning (Friday 27 January).

Police were called at around 12.30am to say that a man had been seen in the area of Bisley Old Road and was trying car door handles to see if they were unlocked.

Officers quickly responded and spotted a man coming out of a van - he was searched and found with a torch, gloves and other items.

A 35-year-old man of no fixed address was subsequently arrested on suspicion of going equipped to steal, and theft from a vehicle. He remains in custody for questioning.

Enquiries are ongoing and officers are keen to hear from anyone who may have information or CCTV or doorbell footage from the local area which could assist the investigation.

Information can be provided to police online by completing the following form and quoting incident 5 of 27 January: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/ You can also call police on 101.

Thieves are often opportunistic, and police have reminded people to lock their vehicles and to have nothing of value or sentimental items left inside or in view.

Your mobile phone, coins for the car park, sunglasses, packs of medication or other items that can earn quick cash are irresistible to the opportunist thief. Wallets, handbags, purses and credit cards should never be left in an unattended vehicle. 

Also having a vehicle's registration and insurance documents could let a thief pretend to be the owner. Which means they could sell it on quite easily. So, never leave any documents in the vehicle.

For advice on ways to help keep your vehicle safe please visit: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/keeping-vehicles-safe/

Anyone who witnesses suspicious activity taking place and can see offenders nearby is asked to report this immediately to police by calling 999.