A fire safety vehicle was stolen from a Southend industrial estate and had its engine completely ripped out in a matter of hours.
The theft occurred late on Monday, 10th March, from Temple Farm Industrial Estate. The vehicle was taken sometime between 11:20 pm and 11:40 pm.
Just hours later, on Tuesday morning, the truck was discovered abandoned on Purdeys Industrial Estate by a worker arriving for their shift. However, by that time, the vehicle had been completely gutted – its engine and anything of value had been stripped away.
‘They knew exactly what they were doing’
Stuart Leslie, the director of the company that owned the truck, expressed his shock at the brazen theft.
“Sadly, it’s wrecked. Someone obviously knew what they were doing as the engine is gone. Anything worth taking has gone,” he said. “I can’t believe they could have done it on the road with no one noticing it. They must have put it in a yard or unit somewhere to take the engine out.”
Leslie thanked the community for their support in spreading the word and confirmed that all CCTV footage of the theft, along with images of the aftermath, had been handed over to the police.
The incident has reignited concern among local residents about the growing problem of vehicle thefts in the area.
Hannah Waywell commented: “It’s unbelievable the amount of cars being stolen right now.”
Stephen Rayner added: “When you don’t get sent to jail anymore for almost anything, it means there is no deterrent. It gives criminals a licence to commit crimes.”
Essex Police urge anyone with information regarding the stolen fire safety vehicle to come forward. Witnesses or those with relevant details can contact Essex Police, quoting crime reference EP-20250311-0919.
Essex Police continue to try tackle organised vehicle theft
Detective Chief Inspector Justin Beacher previously addressed the ongoing vehicle theft issue in Essex, stating: “Vehicle theft is still of course a huge issue in Essex, we are not blind to that. We are committed to tackling burglary and vehicle theft as we’re well aware this is one of the issues that matter most to our communities.”
Essex Police have been actively working to dismantle organised crime networks linked to vehicle thefts. Last year, the Essex Police Serious Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) uncovered a network responsible for over 70 stolen vehicles, collectively worth more than £1.3 million.
Thanks to intelligence work and vehicle examination teams, two key suspects were identified—Connor Jones, 26, and Jack Reid, 22. Both men were charged with conspiring to commit burglary and steal motor vehicles.
At Chelmsford Crown Court on Tuesday, 4th March, Reid was sentenced to three years and nine months, while Jones received four years and 11 months behind bars.