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A Northfleet man has praised the power of community after they helped reunite him with his stolen mini van.
Gravesend landlord and community volunteer Andy Singh says he was left heartbroken after his priceless red Bedford rascal was reportedly taken from him on Sunday.
The 60-year-old was away for the weekend at a wedding in Birmingham and had left the vehicle at a friend's nearby.
It had been in his ownership for nearly 30 years and its signature England flag bodywork made both him and the vehicle instantly recognisable to locals.
So when Mr Singh – who worked part-time as an ambulance driver and a porter at Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford during the pandemic – was informed it had been stolen he was devastated and said he wept on the phone to police.
Fortunately, it was not long before the former market stall holder and his prized motor were re-united thanks to a message posted on local Facebook groups.
"As soon as I sent it, people messaged me left right and centre," said Mr Singh.
Two-and-a-half hours – and numerous sightings later – it was reportedly found dumped a short distance away near Northfleet station.
The van had been damaged but Mr Singh was able to tow it back.
"I fell in love with the car and I was scared someone was going to destroy it," explained the landlord.
"They broke the side window and the lock. They cut all the wires, broke the handle. But apart from that it is all okay."
Such was Mr Singh's love for the Japanese motor he described the assault on the van as like "they were taking away parts of my body".
After it was found, he posted a celebratory post on social media declaring "My baby is back".
"I was absolutely chuffed. I had goosebumps, I was so excited to have it back," he added.
The former market stall holder also held high praise for members of the community who shared his appeal on Facebook and made the van "too hot to handle".
"People were absolutely wonderful," he said. "When I shared the post people were saying they had seen it here or there.
"Neighbours were clapping when I got my van back."
Kent Police spokesman James Walker said: "At 9.48am on Sunday, August 1, Kent Police received a report that a van had been taken from a property in Northfleet.
"Later that day, the informant contacted the force to say they had found the vehicle in the Station Road area.
"The vehicle has since been recovered and assessed by a crime scene investigator."
Anyone with information that can assist with inquiries is asked to call Kent Police on 01474 366149 quoting 46/139473/21.
You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete the online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
