Eastgate Commercial has recovered a stolen Mercedes-Benz Sprinter thanks to the vehicle’s connectivity leading police directly to it.
Eastgate fitted its 20 Sprinter 314 CDIs with aftermarket tracking devices and security cameras. These were intended to protect the vehicles against theft, but criminals who stole one were a step ahead – having smashed their way in, they quickly found and ripped out the tracking equipment, rendering it useless.
“We feared we’d never see that van again,” said Buta Singh (pictured), who runs the business with his sister Baljit Johal.
“We contacted Ciceley Commercials to let them know, but didn’t imagine there was anything they could actually do. The dealer’s team were really on the ball, though, because they realised immediately that Mercedes PRO connect should be able to help.”
Mercedes PRO connect relies on the vehicle’s 4G internet connectivity to provide a range of vehicle management services.
Ciceley’s Bolton branch sales manager Gary Bridge, with service department colleagues, used the system to trace the stolen vehicle’s movements and tracked it down to a yard in Leeds.
They informed police officers who recovered the vehicle just 20 minutes later, virtually intact, save for the missing tracker.
Singh said: “The vehicle was clearly going to be shipped abroad or stripped down for parts. If it hadn’t been found so quickly, I’m sure we’d never have seen it again.
“It’s only thanks to Mercedes PRO connect and Ciceley Commercials that were able to recover our van and avoid what would have been a substantial loss.
"Once again, I have been left hugely impressed by Mercedes-Benz vehicles and the back-up services that come with them.”
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