Action by a roads policing officer stopped a lorry carrying stolen parcels on M1.
On 4 December a roads policing officer on patrol was made aware of reports of a HGV at Woodhall services, believed to be stealing items from numerous lorries while parked up.
Travelling to the area, the officer spotted the suspected vehicle on the M1 northbound.
The driver failed to stop and fled from the officer. During the pursuit, the driver went the wrong way around a roundabout and as the officer feared he was heading down the M1 contraflow to traffic, he used his vehicle to push the lorry off the road, colliding with a sign and bringing the pursuit to an end.
The lorry was found to have a large number of parcels on board, all believed to have been stolen, totalling over £21,000.
The driver of the vehicle, a man in his 30s, was arrested on suspicion of failing to stop, dangerous driving, theft from a vehicle, possession of drugs and traffic offences.
The passenger from the vehicle, a woman in her 30s, was also arrested on suspicion of theft from a motor vehicle.
Sergeant of the Roads Policing Team at South Yorkshire Police, Dan Pugh, said: “Those who use the road network to commit criminality are more likely to take greater risks to evade officers and the consequences of their crime.
“During this incident, the officer’s swift actions in stopping a driver intent on fleeing, regardless of the risk he posed, prevented a serious risk to the public. Their professionalism and quick decision-making reflect the dedication from our team in keeping our roads safe.”
The vehicle involved was also recovered. The suspects have both since been released on police bail while our inquiry progresses.
