Thieves steal Shropshire family's treasured camper van
Thieves have stolen a family's treasured camper van which they were hoping to sell following the arrival of their baby son.
The VW camper, worth in the region of £10,000, was taken from the forecourt of Midlands Autos, in Shrewsbury Road, Market Drayton, in the early hours of Sunday.
Owner Emma Lowe said the beloved vehicle had allowed her and her husband Matt to travel around Britain and into Europe and was filled with "happy family memories".
The couple, who also have a three-year-old daughter, said they only decided to sell the vehicle to extend Mrs Lowe's maternity leave following the arrival of their son.
Mrs Lowe, who is a teacher, said: "This couldn't have come at a worse time. The camper van has been part of our family for years and we have had some wonderful times in it travelling around Britain and into France and the Swiss mountains.
"We made the very tough decision to sell it because now we have had another baby we are need of a bit more money.
"We really loved it. When you sell something with a heavy heart you hope it will go to a family who will get as much enjoyment out of it as we did.
"Now I just fear it has been broken into bits and all the parts will be sold on eBay. I think it's really sad."
Mrs Lowe said she believed the van was stolen by professionals and added it was now likely she would have to go back to work early.
She said: "I presume the thieves had planned the attack well because there was no broken glass or anything like that so they may have used a tow truck or lorry to take it away.
"Also because it was taken in the early hours of Sunday, or maybe even late Saturday night, we didn't find out until Monday morning so they had more time to get away.
"It's a real shock and very disappointing. We called the van Poppy because it is poppy red and we had everything inside matching.
"We had done it all ourselves, it really was beautiful. You never know it might be found so I've just got to keep my fingers crossed."
Anyone with information is urged to call Market Drayton police on 101, or pass information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
