A 37-YEAR-OLD man from Huyton has been arrested in connection with the theft of a delivery van full of parcels in Prescot.

At 12.15pm on Monday, December 9, a man was delivering parcels in a van in Bryer Road, Prescot when a man approached him and took the vehicle.

The van was driven and crashed, before a suspect was detained nearby.

A 37-year-old man from Huyton has been arrested on suspicion of aggravated vehicle taking and released under investigation pending further enquires.

This is the second incident of this nature in the area in the past month.

An AVIS delivery van, containing several Amazon parcels, was stolen as the driver stopped to deliver a parcel in Saturday, November 23 on Ford Road in Prescot.

A white man in a blue jacket is reported to have got out of a white van on the street, before making off in the Avis van.

A short time later, the delivery van was recovered in Rainhill.

It is believed a quantity of Amazon parcels were removed and transported into the white van, which had made off.

Enquiries are still ongoing to establish the full circumstances and find those responsible.

Detective Inspector Phil Atkinson said: "I want to assure delivery drivers and the wider community that we are making extensive enquiries to find all of those responsible and put them before the courts.

"Threats and force have been used in these opportunistic attacks, all of which will have been distressing experiences for the victims, and of course for those people whose gifts and other items have been stolen.

"Clearly, such incidents are likely to be a consequence of increases in items being delivered in the run-up to Christmas. But we don't want people to be fearful carrying out their valuable jobs in the next couple of weeks, and there are some steps you can take to ensure your safety.

"We provide advice to businesses and individuals in securing your vehicle and staying safe. I’d like to encourage any delivery drivers to fit a dashcam, which can act as a valuable deterrent and evidence to assist any criminal investigation.

"Don't be tempted to leave your car running when carrying out deliveries, and be alert and aware of anyone acting suspiciously.

“If you suspect that you are being followed or at risk, make a note of the registration of the vehicle and contact police when it is safe to do so, either 999 in an emergency, or passing information on via @MerPolCC, 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

"If anyone has been offered suspected stolen items in these areas or elsewhere, please come forward. We will act on all information provided to make those who carry out this important work safe."