Officials’ video bragging about seized tobacco ‘led thieves to it’
A VIDEO posted online by Trading Standards bragging about a seizure of £10,000 of illegal tobacco contained clues that may have allowed thieves to steal the haul.
It clearly shows two vehicles in the distinctive red and yellow livery of Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service parked next to the shipping container where the contraband was being stored pending its destruction.
That may have proved to be enough for thieves who later cut a 3ft by 2ft hole in the side of the container at Carlisle East Fire Station and made off with the entire haul.
Referring to Operation Ash executed on Dec 14, Will Hayhurst, regulation and compliance officer with Cumbria Trading Standards, said on the video: “This was successful operation and having [sniffer dog] Mollie really helped. Using the sniffer dog gives a real advantage, she can pinpoint where illegal tobacco is stashed and we can then get in, through walls, under floors, or wherever it is, to recover it. We’re sending a clear message: we won’t tolerate illegal tobacco in Cumbria.”
The haul was stolen overnight on Dec 23. Cumbria County Council has said: “The container is no longer in use for storage of seized goods.”