Canvey Island
Neighbourhood loop for Canvey Island, Essex
Open Loop 6
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“It’s miraculous – we never thought we’d see it again” - Dr Feelgood reunited with tour van
Music legends Dr Feelgood have been reunited with their customised tour van after it was recovered by our Stolen Vehicle Intelligence Unit (SVIU).
The van contained irreplaceable equipment including a guitar that bass player Phil Mitchell had been using for more than 50 years.
The van was taken from Phil’s driveway in Hockley in the early hours of Tuesday 16 April but was located the next day after officers from Maldon Community Policing Team were called to a disturbance at a unit in Tolleshunt D'Arcy.
The officers discovered a suspected chop shop – a place where stolen vehicles are stripped of their parts or given false identities – and called in the experts from SVIU.
The SVIU’s PC Paul Gerrish and PC Phil Pentelow quickly realised that the Mercedes Sprinter was the one from the Hockley theft. It was discovered alongside another Sprinter that was in the process of being dismantled.
The thieves had taken CDs, t-shirts and Phil’s golf clubs but the most valuable items, including Phil’s treasured guitar, were still with the van.
Both vehicles were removed and taken to a secure location.
PC Paul Gerrish called drummer Kevin Morris the next morning with the good news. -
