Wisbech business hit by wedding car theft

Charlie Mackelden and Tim Hilliam who's classic Daimler car was stolen ANL-160131-173044009

Charlie Mackelden and her father Tim Hilliam are devastated after their 1981 Daimler DS4 20 was stolen from their premises in Oldfield Lane, Wisbech, on January 19.

Mr Hilliam had lovingly restored the black and cream limousine over the last five years.

The family run the Limousine and Photography Team and the car is booked for weddings this year.

Charlie Mackelden and Tim Hilliam who's classic Daimler car was stolen
Copy Pic ANL-160131-173031009 — Charlie Mackelden and Tim Hilliam who's classic Daimler car was stolen Copy Pic ANL-160131-173031009

Mrs Mackelden said: “We are a very new business which is slowly building up – this is the last thing we need. We are doing other cars up.

“We have saved up all our lives and worked hard to set up a business and they have come in and stolen that from us.

“We used the car for weddings and it has bookings this year. We are hoping a friend will be able to loan us a car. But on your wedding day, you choose a car because it is the car.”

The family bought the classic car from Ireland in 2011 and Mr Hilliam has spent hours re-spraying and polishing it.

Mrs Mackelden said: “It was not just a work car, it was my father’s pride and joy. It’s devastating.”

The thieves managed to get through the security fencing and removed a battery from a car during the early hours of January 19.

Mrs Mackelden said: “They knew what they were doing. It is not like a modern key ignition.

“We are hoping to find it but more than a week has gone by.”

The family have also said they are “disappointed” with the response from the police.

Mrs Mackelden said: “It took a week for the police to come out and see us. They are going to look at CCTV in the area. I know the police have a lot on but I would have thought they would be with us in the first 24 hours.

“We are disappointed with the length of time.”

A police investigation has been launched.

A police spokesman said: “With crimes likes this, it is not unusual for an officer not to attend the scene straightaway. If the owner of the vehicle is unhappy and would like to make a complaint then he is welcome to contact Sgt Mike Jackman.”

Anyone with information on the theft is asked to contact the force on the 101 number.