Couple's sadness as classic car is stolen from Dudley home

Bought in 2007, pensioners Brenda and Howard Parker proudly kept the car in their gated front driveway.

But the couple from Dudley have been left devastated after thieves stole the £5,000 car as they slept in their home.

"It's terrible, we can't sleep at night – it is devastating to think it is gone," said Mrs Parker, aged 78.

"How can people be so cruel to take it from us?"

The couple bought the car through a private sale in Penkridge in 2007.

They used it only twice a week to visit the shops.

Mr Parker, aged 83, a retired forklift truck driver who used to work at Grovewood Products in Tipton, said: "We both loved the car, it was a real classic and a pleasure to drive."

The thieves took a steering lock, the padlock on the front gate and bricks that were positioned behind the wheel.

The theft took place at their home in Cedar Road between 8pm last Friday and 6.50am on Saturday.

Mrs Parker said: "We woke and found it was gone, I couldn't believe it. We have had people show interest in it before, people knocking on the door offering us money, but I never thought anyone would take it from our drive.

"We both just desperately want it back."

The couple, who have three children and five grandchildren, are appealing to anyone who may spot the vehicle to call police.

The number plate is SBD 164G and the car was made in 1969.

Police are investigating the theft. Officers are talking to neighbours and checking CCTV in the area to see if cameras captured the intruders.