Mini theft leaves Shropshire owner devastated
The owner of a brand new Mini stolen in Shropshire and then used in a burglary in Wyre Forest has spoken of her devastation at the loss of her vehicle.
Offenders broke into the house in Hopton Wafers, near Cleobury Mortimer, sometime between the occupants going to bed on Sunday evening, 14 October, and the early hours of Monday morning.
They took the car keys and stole the silver Mini Countryman, which was used in a burglary at about 3.15am at The Coopers Arms pub in Canterbury Road, Kidderminster.
Three men dressed in black were seen leaving in the Mini after breaking in and stealing a safe containing the previous evening's takings.
The Mini was only six weeks old and had less than 1,000 miles on the clock. It was bought for around £24,000, and was a top of the range model with an inbuilt sat nav and leather seats. It had silver roof bars on a black coloured roof and horizontal stripes near the bottom of the doors. It also has dark/black alloys and a black and silver design on the bonnet.
The owner, who does not wish to be identified, said: "It's the first brand new car we have had and we are devastated. We had worked hard to be able to afford it and we really treasured it.
"As well as the distress of knowing someone came into our home while we were asleep, which has made us feel very insecure, we live in a rural location and have had a lot of inconvenience in trying to get to work."
The offenders may have put false registration plates on the vehicle, but police are hoping that someone will recognise such a distinctive model.
Witnesses or anyone with information should contact PC Niki Deakin on West Mercia Police's non-emergency number 101, quoting incident 28-S-151012, or ring the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
