Date – June 26, 2020

Last night, the 25th of June at about 11:00 pm, a white 2017 Mercedes Sprinter Van with California license plate 02027L2 was stolen from a hotel parking lot near 104th Avenue and Church Ranch Boulevard.  The only distinguishing markings is a #16 on the back door.  

The van was left running to allow the refrigeration unit to keep live animals being delivered to local pet stores safe.  The vehicle does not have a disable switch which requires the driver to leave the vehicle running for proper temperature control.  Equipped with GPS, the vehicle appears to have been stolen at about 11:00 pm.  Police are no longer able to located the GPS signal and it’s unknown if that feature has been disabled. 

Police do not have any information or description on who stole the vehicle.  It was last known to be near 64th Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard.  Officers checked the area and were unable to locate the van or video surveillance in the area to assist with locating the pets and vehicle.  

The manifest or delivery schedule was in the van, so we do not know the exact number or kind of animals in the van.  The driver estimates there were still 10-15 crates which secure birds, guinea pigs and similar pets. 

The van had less than 1/4 of a tank of fuel when it was stolen.  Police are asking the public for help locating the van to ensure the animals are recovered safely.  If you see the van please call 911 or Westminster Police Communications at 303-658-4360. 

Any questions regarding this press release, please contact Sergeant Trevor Materasso, at 303-658-4288 or tmateras@westminsterco.gov

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