A business owner has slammed thieves in Salford who made off with his distinctive removals van – but says he’ll forgive and forget if it’s returned.
Taxi Truck boss Antonio Pratas, 38, says he’s baffled by the Boothstown theft, but adds that it could be part of a spate of robberies in the local area over the past month.
Antonio, who runs the firm’s Manchester office from Brookfield Drive, told SalfordOnline.com today: “I’m devastated by this; I am a small businessman with a good reputation in the area for the service that I provide.
“I’m sick of these people thinking they can just take whatever they want.
“My fear is that the thieves could break into houses and then ransack them, using my vehicle as a decoy.”
The liveried white Ford lorry, registration OY09 HCS, has an yellow New York-style cab and is plastered with Taxi Truck logos and business phone numbers.
A similar Taxi Truck company vehicle
Police believe it was stolen from the Boothstown Royal British Legion car park on the evening of Monday 21 September.
The vehicle contained parcels for the Royal College of Nursing and were stored in the car park for added protection because the club has CCTV.
But when Antonio went to collect the vehicle on Tuesday morning he was shocked to find that it had been stolen.
Footage shows two men approaching and a breaking into the van but sadly they are unrecognisable.
Local police are aware of a spate of break-ins, vandalism and robbery attempts in Boothstown and Walkden over the past month, with thieves trying car doors in streets and on driveways.
Antonio said: “This is a tremendous setback for my company.
“To be honest they have not only stolen my van, but also my livelihood.
“I’d like to make the local community aware and ask them to remain vigilant and to be on the lookout.
“I am a forgiving man: I ask that who ever stole the vehicle should bring it back with no questions asked and I will even make them a cup of tea,” he vowed.
If anyone spots the van in Boothstown, Worsley or around the local area please contact Greater Manchester Police on 101.
