Stolen Land Rover found torched

The vehicle stolen from outside a Tadley home was found torched and ransacked four days later

THE Land Rover stolen from outside a Tadley man's home has been found.

The vehicle was recovered yesterday (Monday, four days after being stolen, and had been torched and ransacked.

Mark Hibbs, of Hythe Close, was in his house last Thursday evening (Sept 15) when the vehicle was taken. He believes that the theft may have occurred at around 9.45pm as his dogs became restless at that time.

“I heard my dogs barking and they never bark at all, but I didn't get up to look. If I had, I would probably have caught them,” said Mr Hibbs, adding that he had searched everywhere for the distinctive vehicle, with black and white roof and chequer plate markings.

Mr Hibbs said he was “gutted” after the £3,500-£4,000 vehicle was found burnt out on Monday night (12) in a farmer's field in the village of Freefolk, near Overton, off a track next to Overton Rugby Club. His passport had also been in the vehicle when it was stolen.

“To say I am upset would be an understatement, how can people live with themselves,” said Mr Hibbs.

“They have stolen the wheels, front winch bumper, winch, four stainless steel spot lights, a Simone racing steering wheel, a Leica LRF 800 rangemaster, a pair of Hawk binoculars in green, a pair of Rayban sunglasses, a tan leather shooting stick, and a Leatherman charge multi tool.”

Mr Hibbs, who is offering a reward for information leading to the conviction of the offenders, urged anyone who was offered any of the afore-mentioned items to call Basingstoke police on 0845 0 454545 citing crime reference 4411 0394279.