Clumsy handling of blundering lorry case
Upset over way police dealt with damage to cars
HILLINGDON Police has apologised to the woman who reported an incident in Ruislip where a lorry collided with a number of parked cars.
Hollie Cooper, 21, witnessed the HGV scrape the sides of multiple cars in North Drive on Monday morning at around 9am, and reported to the incident to police.
But Miss Cooper said she was told by police they could not do anything unless the owners of the cars reported the damage themselves.
Hillingdon Police said the incident was not taken on because of a miscommunication, and confirmed they are now investigating the crash.
A statement from Hillingdon Police said: “We are aware of pictures being shared on social media which appear to show a lorry causing damage to a number of stationary vehicles in North Drive.
“We take all allegations of crime seriously and in this instance a report was not taken as it should have been due to a miscommunication.
“We have since made contact with the informant to apologise and obtain further details.
“Officers have visited the scene to assess the damage caused and enquiries continue.
“There have been no arrests at this stage.”
The statement added: “We would always encourage members of the public to report such incidents and where possible provide evidential material, including photographs, if it can be obtained without putting anyone at risk.”
Miss Cooper, who works in Ruislip, posted pictures of the damage caused online, sparking an uproar against the driver and the police.
The lorry belongs to Hampshire Insulations, based in Southampton, and the company apologised for the damage caused.
The company said the driver of the lorry will be submitting a statement to the Metropolitan Police and that their insurance company will be dealing with the claims from the cars’ owners.
Officers have visited the scene to assess the damage caused