An elderly couple have had to cancel their anniversary plans after a thief stole two wheels from their car.

Geoffrey and Antonia Martin, of Clacton, had planned to travel to France this weekend to celebrate 55 years of marriage.

But after the theft from their Ford Escort car at their home in Havenvale Court, Coppins Road, they will now not be able to go away on their anniversary.

"We have lived happily here for 11 years and imagined we were sheltered from this sort of nonsense," said Mr Martin, 84.

"It's always been a very pleasant place to live, but we shall no longer feel quite so safe."

He added: "This type of despicable petty crime seems to be very much on the increase in Clacton, with elderly people too often the victims."

Mr and Mrs Martin are now waiting for the return of their car from a garage, with the bill fortunately being footed by their insurance company.

"Luckily we hadn't booked anything in France," said Mr Martin, who used to work in industrial relations in France and Algiers.

The theft happened some time between 7pm on April 11 and 9am on April 12.

  • If you have any information which could help find those responsible, please call Clacton police on 01255 221312 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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