This shocking CCTV footage shows a van driver’s lucky escape as an opportunistic thief drives the vehicle at him while making his getaway from a Rochdale petrol station forecourt.
The incident occurred at around 12.15pm on Monday December 29, when the 43-year-old man exited his vehicle at Dean Service Station on Oldham Road and left the keys in the ignition while he walked into the shop.
While inside the thief ran towards his car, jumped in and started to drive off. The victim saw him, ran out of the shop, and jumped in front of the moving van.
Fortunately, he was only clipped by the vehicle but not badly hurt.
Detective Sergeant Chris Mannion from Rochdale division, said: “This was an opportunistic robbery, the thief saw the keys left in the ignition, ran over the van and drove.
“When the victim saw what was happening he tried to protect his livelihood and ran into the path of the moving van.
“Luckily for him he was not badly hurt, but that doesn’t take away the fact he had his van stolen with equipment in the back.
The van was found a few days later through its tracker on Mellor Street in Royton, only a few miles away.
The thief had stolen a laptop and abandoned the van.
The criminal is described as white, wearing a grey hooded top with the hood up, he was in his late teens to early 20s, of slim build with a gaunt face,
“If you recognise the man from the CCTV footage or have any formation about who may have committed this crime, please contact us as soon as possible,” said Detective Sergeant Mannio.
Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 0161 856 8549 or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Image courtesy of GMP, with thanks.
