Smart car stolen in Ryde – owner left fuming after police reply
A red and black Smart car has vanished from John Street, Ryde, on the Isle of Wight overnight. The vehicle, registration LG54 VTT, was parked there all weekend before being spotted missing Monday morning.
Owner slammed police for ‘mad’ response
Steve Matthews, the owner, said he checked the car was there on Saturday and Sunday but found it gone on Monday. “Gutted,” he said. Steve reported the theft to Hampshire Constabulary who, incredibly, told him to hunt down CCTV footage himself.
“Basically go out and investigate your own theft. It’s madness,” Steve fumed.
Police limit CCTV search to two hours
Steve revealed the police would only dedicate a maximum of two hours to review CCTV footage. The car was only bought last week from the mainland. It was taken with a recovery truck, leaving visible marks on the ground.
Steve has also checked all ferry companies leaving the island, all of whom deny seeing the stolen registration leave. Now he’s £1,000 out of pocket and stuck hunting for his own vehicle before police will step up again.
Can you help find the stolen Smart car?
If you have any information about the stolen car or have seen it, contact Hampshire Constabulary on 101 immediately.
