Mum delighted after Range Rover stolen from Portsmouth car park is found
A mum who was “absolutely gutted” after her Range Rover Sport was brazenly stolen from a busy Portsmouth car park is now delighted after it was found.
Emma Russell was out with her family celebrating her child Rosie’s birthday at Spoons restaurant inside Cascades Shopping Centre on Sunday evening when the theft took place, as reported.
The incident happened between 5.30 - 7.30pm from the Market Way car park in Market Way, opposite Starbucks.
Emma was left horrified to discover her “beloved” 2010 Range Rover had been stolen during the fun family evening before informing police.
Emma had said: “Absolutely gutted. My beloved car was stolen outside Spoons. To make things worse it was Rosie’s birthday and her favourite bear was in the back.
“Not the nicest way to end a perfect day. Really hoping I see it again even if it’s just to retrieve my daughter’s bear.” Emma said the bear was “special” to her daughter who is “really missing” it.
Now, just a day after the car was stolen, police have located it - with her daughter’s bear Hop Hop in the boot. “The car has been found,” Emma posted on Facebook on Monday. “It’s such a happy day. Hop Hop is home and the police are awesome. Thank you all so much.”
Emma said the police were able to find the car after it “apparently had a tracker” which she was unaware of.
The mum, describing it as the “best news”, added: “I just want to say thank you so much to everyone for all your lovely messages. And you know what, never give up. Always have faith in people, especially the police because they found my car.”
A police post said after the vehicle was found: “With help from TrackerUK, D shift from Roads Policing in Havant have located a stolen vehicle. This vehicle was only stolen yesterday from the Portsmouth area and located elsewhere within the city. It's now going to be reunited with a very happy owner.”
A force spokesperson added there had not been any arrests made yet.