Police stop drunk driver who stole a postal van, pursuit ends with spike strip
Residents of South-Estonia witnessed an unusual scene yesterday morning when a police patrol chased a postal van through the town with lights flashing and sirens blaring. The incident unfolded on 6 January at around 10.30am, after police received a report that a Peugeot Partner used for mail delivery had been stolen.
According to initial information, the postman was in the middle of his round when a man emerged from a stairwell, climbed into the unattended van, which was left running, and drove off. Officers began searching for the vehicle immediately and, working closely with postal staff, quickly pieced together its route.
The patrol soon spotted the stolen van on the road and signalled the driver to pull over using red and blue lights. The man ignored the order. With it clear that he had no intention of stopping, police closed the road and deployed a spike strip to bring the vehicle to a halt. The tyres were punctured and the van was forced to stop.
Officers identified the driver as a 59 year old man who was under the influence of alcohol. He was detained on suspicion of committing a criminal offence. Investigators are now establishing the full circumstances of the case, including the man’s motive.
Police used the incident to underline a simple point. Even in bitter winter cold, a running vehicle should never be left unattended. Preventing car theft starts with locking the doors, keeping keys secure and never leaving them inside the vehicle. A warm cabin is no compensation for the risks involved, or for breaking the law.
