Car stripped of parts in broad daylight at railway station

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 06:28 · Archive

A black Ford Focus was stripped of its bonnet, bumper, headlights and grille in broad daylight at Beaulieu Park Station car park on 19 October.

A black Ford Focus was stripped of its bonnet, bumper, headlights, grille and front number plate in broad daylight at Beaulieu Park Station car park on 19 October at around 11.40am. Lewis Preston says his girlfriend Grace had parked the car before travelling to work in London. She received a phone alert that the car's bonnet had been opened, but when Mr Preston arrived minutes later the thieves had already gone. Mr Preston said the theft was completed in approximately five minutes and no witnesses came forward despite the busy car park location. He said the couple initially feared the car had been stolen altogether, as they had thousands of pounds worth of belongings in the back.

Mr Preston reported the incident to police, the council and their insurer, but said they experienced delays while trying to establish which force was responsible due to the station's location. He said Ford Focus models are known targets for parts theft because components can be removed quickly and are in demand.

How it is being reported

• Commuters warned as car 'stripped by thieves' at railway stationFord Focus stripped of bonnet, bumper and headlights in broad daylight at Beaulieu Park Station car park on October 19 as police appeal for witnessesColchester Gazette · 21 Oct, 05:00
• Commuters warned as car 'stripped by thieves' at railway stationFord Focus stripped of bonnet, bumper and headlights in broad daylight at Beaulieu Park Station car park on October 19 as police appeal for witnessesBrentwood Guardian · 21 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Lewis Preston · Grace · Beaulieu Park Station

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