Police investigate contractor van theft ring spanning Bensalem, Philly
Police in Philadelphia and Bensalem are investigating a theft ring involving Ford Econoline and Chevrolet Express contractor vans.
Investigators said someone is stealing the vans to obtain contents inside, which include hand and power tools, ladders and other construction equipment. In some cases, the tools were simply taken from the vans.
The majority of vehicles have been stolen in Philadelphia, emptied and recovered in the same confined residential area in the Croydon section of Bristol Township.
In a majority of the thefts, the suspect punched the vans’ door locks and cracking their ignitions. In some of the cases, high security “hockey puck” padlocks were also bypassed and stereos were ripped from vehicles’ dashboards
Investigators will Wednesday through Friday display tools recovered in the thefts that have not yet been claimed. Names and initials on those tools include: J.M.G., Renaud, M.Q. , Dave Robarge, R.R., Chadwick, E.E.J. Mechanical, Cooke, J.G., J.M.H., M.E., Erik, M.M., Powell, Rell, Alvis, McF, R.W., A.M.R.E. #3 and Dimension #3.
Anyone wishing to view the tools can visit the police Major Crimes Auto Squad at 4298 Macalester Street on one of those dates between noon and 8 p.m. Those claiming tools must provide identification and a copy of the theft report.
Anyone with information regarding thefts in other jurisdictions is asked to contact Officer Stephen Mancuso or Officer Hayes at Major Crimes Auto Squad by calling 215-685-9130 or 9133.
