LORRY HIJACKERS STEAL WINE WORTH 10,000

Published: 23 July, 2008

By Stuart Peskett

A lorry containing wine worth more than 10,000 was hijacked en route to the Matthew Clark national distribution centre earlier this month. A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said that the vehicle, which began its journey at Steadman Transport in West Thurrock in Essex, was headed for the distribution centre near Avonmouth in the Bristol area on Monday 9 August. The haul included 1,235 cases of Chardonnay, 928 cases of Merlot Rouge', 875 of Fortant de France, 580 of Cabernet Sauvignon, 116 of Sauvignon Blanc and 60 cases of Coteaux de Languedoc. He added that the lorry driver pulled into a lay-by on the A403 at about 7pm, as he couldn't deliver the wine until 6am the next morning. However, at 11pm that night, he was disturbed by a man who told him that he could not park in the lay-by. Two men then jumped into the cab, one holding a crowbar, and the other with a sandbag over his hand with something hidden inside. The spokesman said that the victim was then forced to lie down, at which point the lorry was driven off towards the M48. After 20 minutes, the victim was forced out of the cab, which was recovered on 11 August near Thornbury in south Gloucestershire, minus both its trailer and its load. The first suspect is described as an Asian man in his 20s with dark, shaven hair, wearing a red fleece with writing on the front. It is possible his name is Daz. The second is described as a white man in his 30s with short, dark hair, receding on top. He was of skinny build and was wearing a lumberjack shirt. Both men spoke with Irish accents. The trailer, which is blue, had the name Steadman on the side, while the sealed container is bright blue, with the words Dream Box' written on the side in bright green lettering. Anyone who has information on the theft should contact Avon and Somerset CID at Staple Hill on 01275 818181, or alternatively, telephone Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. A spokesman for Matthew Clark refused to comment on the incident.

Printer friendly version