Vehicle crime in Leeds is rife with 821 reported incidents over the past twelve months (To July 2024). Having your car, your property or your possessions broken into or violated is upsetting at the worst of times, but imagine relying on your vehicle to transport your large family to and from school and activities and having that lifeline ripped away from you. This is exactly what happened to one unfortunate family.
When Sam and Dave, parents to twelve children, woke up one morning to find their minibus gone from the outside of their house, feelings of violation and anger set in.
Sam, who runs the parenting and lifestyle YouTube Channel Grab Life By Hauls, took to social media to address the situation.
“At 3 0’clock this morning the minibus was taken from the driveway at our house”
Sam had been awake at the time of the theft while feeding their youngest child but thought nothing of the security lights which flashed on and off, assuming it was simply the local cats running amok. Little did she know more sinister activities were at play right at that very moment. Even the neighbours had seen the minibus drive away but had assumed it was Sam and Dave going for a drive.
“The minibus was the only means of transporting everyone around”
In a passionate plea for help to catch the perpetrators Sam explained that the vehicle was the only means of getting their large family around to schools and activities. They still had their other vehicle – a 7 seater car – but it was not large enough to fit everyone.
“There were all sorts in there. The baby bag was in there. Nappies and clothes.”
As with any crime, vehicle theft carries more than just the heartbreak of losing your car or van. Personal possessions are often taken and simply tossed aside by the criminals. In this instance, property for their baby was particularly missed alongside likely other things they will remember in the days to come.
The family have reported the crime to the police but are not hopeful of a positive outcome.
If you have any information regarding this crime, please contact West Yorkshire Police on 101 or CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
