"I’ll pay £10,000 to catch car thief' says Hove man (From The Argus)

"I’ll pay £10,000 to catch car thief' says Hove man

4:30pm Wednesday 13th February 2013 in News By Anna Roberts, Crime reporter

A driver has offered a £10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person who stole his beloved car – despite it being worth less than that.

Neil Macadam said some people might think what he was suggesting was “ludicrous” but added: “I just really love the car.

“The vehicle is not worth the money I am offering so people might think I am mad.”

The BMW estate car was taken from his drive in Berriedale Avenue, off New Church Road, Hove, on Saturday morning.

It is five years old and has 100,000 miles on the clock. Mr Macadam said: “It is not even worth £10,000.

“I got it valued and it is worth about £9,300 and it is insured.

“I just really, really want the person who stole it to get caught.

“I think someone will know who took it and I think they will want the money.

“While the police are investigating, they are busy and £10,000 could motivate someone to come forward.

Making a stand

Making a stand “Someone has got to make a stand against car thieves.”

The 45-year-old, who is married, said his epileptic black Labrador George was also missing the car.

He used to sit in the back of the vehicle and sadly his favourite ball was in there when it was taken.

Mr Macadam said: “He looks quite forlorn now and that is hard – he is really friendly. But he is ball |mad.

“We had such good times in that car. We travelled to Ireland, the Isle of Man and the West Country. We’ve been all over the country in it.

Investigation

“I’m not a millionaire who can throw money around but I love that car, however sad that is.

“I had recently spent money doing it up and had decided to keep it.”

A Sussex Police spokeswoman said: “We are investigating the theft of a black BMW M535 sports car vehicle registration GP57 UGW which was stolen from the driveway of a home in Berriedale Avenue, Hove, sometime between 11pm on Friday and 9am on Saturday.

“Anyone who has seen the vehicle or has any information should contact Sussex Police on 101 quoting serial 0316 of 9/2.”

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