A THIEF stole £20,000 from a security van in the middle of Southampton city centre.

The driver of the vehicle was approached by a man in East Street, who took a cashbox and fled in a silver van.

The box contained £20,000 in cash, and the driver of the security van was uninjured during the theft.

The van was later recovered in Russell Street, Southampton.

Now, officers are keen to speak to anyone who saw the van in the area at around the time of the incident or who has information that could help with the investigation.

Detective Constable Andy Spooner said: “This incident happened in the middle of the day in a busy city centre.

“The suspect vehicle was then abandoned nearby in a residential area, close to a busy road.

Daily Echo: The van (towards bottom left) used in the theft and the security van (far end).

“So it is highly likely that a lot of people saw something that day which could assist with the investigation and I would urge them to come forward.”

The incident happened last Monday at 2.15pm outside Debenhams, but the police have only now released details.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Constable Andy Spooner on 101, quoting 44160015699, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.