Money, phones and jewellery were stolen from the van.

Thousands of pounds worth of jewellery and other items have been stolen from a Royal Mail van in Southampton, it has been reported.

Thieves raided the van, which had been parked outside the Bon Marche shop in the city centre, taking parcels due to be delivered to local businesses, which may encourage others to use alternative parcel delivery providers to send high-value goods.

As well as jewellery, the thieves made away with mobile phones and foreign currency.

Hampshire Police say that the driver of the van was out making other deliveries when the criminals struck at some point between 10:00 GMT and 11:00 GMT on November 17th.

A 46-year-old man was arrested in connection with the theft and has since been released on bail until January 13th.

Andrew Wllson, personal finance editor at the Times, recently called the Royal Mail "a disgrace" after it failed to deliver a letter sent via special delivery within a fortnight.

Written by Sarah Gower


Article Added: 24/11/2009 09:33:56