A TROON daughter has hit out at cruel thieves who stole her dad’s van as he recovers from illness.

Rachael Graham, 26, says waking up to find her dad’s truck missing was a “kick in the teeth” to the well-known tradesman.

Her dad, Bobby Graham, has had his own fencing business for 16 years but has been unable to work due to ill health.

Ayr Advertiser:

The 70-year-old has been housebound recovering from issues with his pancreas and the family fear the van was targeted after lying untouched for so long.

The callous crooks got into the Ford Transit truck from the address on Lochlea Avenue in the Muirhead area of the town in the early hours of Wednesday, October 7 between 1.30am and 10.30am.

Rachael said: “My dad’s not well in the moment, his van has been parked outside for three months whilst he recovers. He’s had issues with his pancreas and it’s causing complications with other organs. He’s 70 but still wants to get out and work, it’s his lifeline.

“He has had his own business for 15 years, for this to happen is just a kick in the teeth.”

Police visited the family last week as they launched an investigation into the stolen van, but Rachael has told how they are not “optimistic” on getting it back.

Now the family want to warn other van owners to make sure they are extra careful as the type of van can be accessed using a tool purchased online that opens them.

Rachael said: “We just want people to know its common theft, that type of Ford Transit is a target.”

“There are tools criminals can buy online. We never realised this until now.”

Rachael has said the van theft has shocked other residents on the street.

She added: “We are all quite concerned that there has been a robbery on the street, neighbours are freaked out.”

Police confirmed they are investigating the incident.