Terror ride
Reporter: USMA RAJA
Date published: 03 July 2009
HAVE-A-GO-HERO . . . bandaged Ian Flint with the van outside his store. After this photograph was taken, the vehicle was stolen for a second time and has not yet been recovered.
Ian dragged for 400 yards at 60mph by van thief
A SHOP owner was subjected to a terrifying rush-hour ordeal when a thug sped off in his van at 60mph with him clinging to the window.
Ian Flint hung on for 400 terrifying yards, finally jumping off when the thief briefly stopped.
He suffered bruising to his arms and was treated at the Royal Oldham Hospital, while the van was later found abandoned.
However, relief at his lucky escape turned to despair when it is believed the same thief returned the following day and stole the van for a second time.
The first incident happened when Mr Flint, a father-of-three who runs the Fine Wines convenience shop in Rochdale Road, Royton, left his keys in the ignition as he moved a sign so he could park.
Within seconds the thief leapt into the van and revved the engine.
Mr Flint ran to the vehicle, jumped through the driver’s window and grappled with the man at around 3.45pm on Tuesday.
But the offender sped off with Mr Flint hanging out of the van with his legs in the air.
Fearing for his life, Mr Flint told the man to stop.
He described his frightening ordeal: “I jumped in the window, but the thug drove off with me hanging out at high speed. At the time it was a bit surreal. The man was shouting, ‘get off, get off’. I was terrified and thought of my children so I told him to slow down and stop, but he wasn’t having any of it.
“It was rush-hour and other shocked motorists saw me clinging to the window and turned their cars in the road to follow me.
“The man eventually stopped and I jumped off. Luckily I escaped without any serious injuries. I realised the van wasn’t worth me losing my life over.”
The van was recovered in Garden Terrace, Thornham, following a tip-off.
But it is believed the determined thief returned to the store on Wednesday afternoon and stole the van, which was locked, as Mr Flint was in the shop.
He added: “I believe it was the same person who stole the van the second time. If I had seen him I would have gone for him again, but I was at the back of the shop.”
Oldham police warned motorists to ensure their vehicles are locked and windows closed to deter thieves.
A police spokesperson said: “The offender is described as white, aged late 20s, 5ft 7in tall of stocky build.
“At around 5pm on Wednesday, July 1, the same van was again stolen from outside the shop.
“On this occasion it’s believed the same offender had returned.”
Anyone with any information is asked to call the police on 0161-872 5050 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555 111.
