Irish family stranded in Kensal Rise after thieves steal their car
The Burkes from County Clare need their Ford Galaxy MPV to return home
A family holidaying in London have been left stranded after heartless thieves stole their car as they visited a sick relative.
Gerry Burke, 44, of County Clare in Ireland, was visiting his mother Mary, who lives in Herbert Gardens, Kensal Rise, with his wife Emma and children Jodie, 18, Ellie, 9, Thomas, 7, Mollie, 4 and Mia, 2, as part of a six week holiday.
Mary has just had her knees replaced and the family are supporting her while she recovers.
Gerry, who was born and brought up in Harlesden before moving to Ireland in 2006, had been in London for three weeks when thieves stole the silver Ford Galaxy MPV from outside the house last Thursday (August 9).
Gerry said: “We are over on our holidays at the moment and we were having a really good time catching up with old friends.
“But when I went out in the morning to put a permit on the car it was not there.
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“I called the council as at first I feared it had been towed or something but when they said they knew nothing about it I knew it was stolen.”
The theft has forced the family to put their holiday on hold as they try to go through the necessary process of dealing with the ramifications.
Gerry said: “We have no idea what we are going to do as the log book and everything which proves I am the owner were inside the car.
“Financially this means a trip or two back to Ireland to get documents but also we have had to postpone much of the holiday. We had planned to take the kids to Thorpe Park but we can’t even think of that at the moment.”
A Brent Police spokeswoman said: “We can confirm the police were called to reports of a vehicle being stolen over night on the August 9.
“The vehicle was parked, locked and secure in Herbert Gardens. Person unknown has gained entry to the vehicle and has made off with it.”
Anyone with information should call police using the non-emergency 101 number or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
