A Sheffield plumber was forced to endure being dragged along a street clinging to the side of his van after it was stolen by a brazen thief.
The horror ordeal unfolded on a quiet Tuesday morning on Smalldale Road on the southeast edge of city – and left the plumber in hospital.
Dramatic footage has emerged of the incident, capturing everything from the moment of the alleged theft to the point the van-jacker appears to speed off out of sight.
In the first part of the video, the plumber can be seen sprinting after his work van – and even managing to grab hold of an open doorway – after it’s taken in broad daylight.
The plumber can be seen sprinting after his work van after it’s taken in broad daylight
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URGENT: Van stolen in Sheffield –
WATCH the shocking video of a heroic man being dragged as he tries to stop thieves you have any info, contact South Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting 14/162424/24.
Please RT and help bring these criminals to justice! #Sheffield #VanTheft pic.twitter.com/fkXuHOSO2s
— Sheffield Online (@onlinesheffield) September 11, 2024
The determined plumber can be seen holding on to the van as its new driver makes off with it down Smalldale Road, before the video cuts to another CCTV clip from a few doors down.
In that footage, the van – now travelling at some pace down the road – can be seen dragging its owner from its side as he clings on from a pair of door handles.
As he strains to keep hold of his vehicle, one of the plumber’s shoes is ripped off as the van tears down the quiet residential street.
Despite his valiant attempts to cling on to his motor, eventually the plumber is forced to let go.
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One of the plumber’s shoes is ripped off as the van tears down the quiet residential street
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Video footage from a number of properties on Smalldale Road shows the plumber’s horror ordeal
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The plumber manages to avoid being run over – but can only watch as the vehicle’s alleged thief speeds off round the corner onto nearby Thornbridge Drive.
After rolling along the ground at speed, the plumber can then be seen standing up and looking around aghast after being relieved of his van.
A later clip shared by Sheffield Online shows what appears to be the plumber’s bandaged feet and elbow as he waits to be seen in hospital.
In the aftermath of the shocking ordeal, South Yorkshire Police have urged the public to come forward with any information, quoting reference 14/162424/24.
The plumber can then be seen standing up and looking around aghast after being relieved of his van
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A spokesman from the force said: “At 7am on Tuesday (September 10) we received reports of a vehicle theft in Sheffield.
“It is reported that a van parked on Smalldale Road was stolen.
“It is believed a person wearing black clothing and a black balaclava entered the vehicle and drove off.
“Enquiries into the incident are ongoing.”
