A FAMILY has launched an appeal for witnesses after thieves have stolen their “priceless” car.

June Wheeler, 58, and Alan Wheeler, 70, of Abbots Close, Wix said CCTV footage shows two men have stolen their “best friend” from their driveway.

Mrs Wheeler, who is the publicity officer for the Manifest Theatre, said they are “absolutely gutted” their blue Saab 95 aero, with distinctive number plate -J5UNE- got stolen.

“We got CCTV footage from our neighbour next door, which shows two guys did it,” she said.

“I went out on Monday and I have done some shopping, filled the tank up to three quarters because it was so cheap, and after I unloaded the car, I went on to do some gardening.

“Unfortunately, I left my keys, which also had my car keys in the front door and then I forgot they were there.

“On Tuesday night I went out to take some painkillers from our van and that’s when I saw the driveway was empty.

“They have taken the car the night before, but we didn’t even know it was gone.”

Mrs Wheeler, who has been self-isolating with her husband since March, said they had the 18-years-old car for about 16 years now.

She said: “We were keeping it to make it a classing and we were looking after it, it was a well kept and beautiful car.”

“We’re heartbroken someone has nicked it, I’m absolutely gutted, and I’m so upset- we don’t have a car now, so we’re grounded.

“The worth of the car is about £2,000 but to me she is priceless, she drives beautifully.”

Mr Wheeler said she is disappointed in the police as there has been no clear communication so, she has decided she will take matters into her own hands.

“Police said they can’t do anything because they can’t recognise the people.

“But if they nicked it for joyriding it should be dumped somewhere, so I’m going to the Railway Station car park in Colchester and Manningtree to check if it’s there."

The incident happened on Monday, May 18 at about 11.30pm.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “The vehicle details have been flagged in line with our normal procedure and, should the car activate any ANPR cameras, it will be picked up and enquiries will be made.

“We understand the impact vehicle theft has on vehicle owners, both emotionally and financially.

“In Essex, we are committed to tackling theft of vehicles and are working hard to catch those responsible and return stolen vehicles to their rightful owners.

“Since February we have seen the number of reports of vehicle thefts, and thefts from vehicles, reduce.

“In the year to the end of April there were two fewer vehicles stolen in Essex each day than the year before.

“Finally, a reminder that no investigation is ever closed and, if when more information becomes available, our enquiries will continue.”

Anyone with information about this incident can call 101 and quote the crime reference number 42/71251/20 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.