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'Invaluable' minibus stolen from care home and dumped

Ben CarrEast Midlands
News imageDerbyshire House A white van in a field without its engine. Derbyshire House
The minibus had its engine stripped by thieves, Derbyshire House said

Police are investigating the theft of an "invaluable" minibus from a care home that was later found in a field and stripped of its engine.

Sharon Smith, from Derbyshire House in East Leake, Nottinghamshire, believes the minibus - used to transport elderly people - was taken from the charitable trust's premises in the early hours of Monday.

Smith said it was found dumped later that day in a field between Wysall and Widmerpool without the engine.

Insp Tim Cuthbert, local area commander for Rushcliffe at Nottinghamshire Police, said the force was keen to trace those responsible for the theft that "will cause dismay to those involved with the charity".

Smith said the minibus had many uses, including taking residents to hospital, other appointments, adding it allowed one resident to visit his wife in a different care home.

She said: "My personal opinion is that it was targeted. You cannot just lift an engine out. The van says Derbyshire House all over it.

"It is very clear that it is a residential care home van for elderly people, it is a bit disappointing."

Police said the vehicle was stolen some time between 20:00 on Sunday and 08:00 BST the following day, before it was later found abandoned.

Cuthbert said: "This theft will cause dismay to those involved with the charity and the wider community.

"We're keen to trace those responsible and investigations are ongoing. I'd urge anyone with information, or relevant dashcam, CCTV or doorbell footage, to get in touch."

News imageDerbyshire House Engine parts in a field of long grass.Derbyshire House
Engine parts were left dumped in the field

Smith said the van had been bought over a decade ago but had been kept in "good nick".

She said: "I think we take for granted just how easy it was - if we needed to do something we could the minibus. If we were picking up furniture or supplies, we could do that any time.

"It was used to help residents that lived far away move in.

"I do not think we will realise the impact until it is not there to use. Obviously we will replace it but it is not going to happen any time soon."

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