A POLICE helicopter was called to track down a ASDA delivery van which was stolen while the driver was making deliveries.

The driver left his keys in the vehicle but returned to find it was gone.

Officers launched an operation to find the van, which was eventually found in Totton.

The incident began at about 6.35pm on Wellington Road, Bournemouth, on Wednesday, April 26.

The driver was informed by a member of the public that the van had been seen heading in the direction of Holdenhurst Road.

A tracker device in the van later identified that it had stopped at Brick Lane in Thorney Hill near Bransgore.

The NPAS helicopter assisted in the search for the vehicle, which was tracked via Ringwood to the Totton area, where it was recovered.

A 50-year-old man of no fixed abode was arrested on suspicion of theft and driving offences and has been released under investigation.

Investigations Officer Lucy Wickham of Dorset Police, said: “I am keen to speak to anybody who may have witnessed the Asda delivery vehicle in Wellington Road at the time of this incident and seen someone acting suspiciously in the area.

“I would also like to hear from the woman who spoke to the delivery driver shortly after the incident occurred.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 26:340.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.