THE owners of a stolen van are pleading with the thieves who took their four-wheeled family treasure to return it in one piece.

James Dunn left work to find his unusual 1988 Mitsibushi L300, nicknamed Freddie, had been stolen from its parking spot outside Francis Chappell funeral directors in Sevenoaks Road, Orpington.

The 65-year-old from Lodge Crescent, Orpington, said: “The van has been part of the family for 11 years now.

“We are just hoping and praying for its safe return. I was hoping to retire and spend some more time with it.

“It was a very unique van and I’m devastated it has been stolen.”

Bromley Police are appealing for information on the theft which happened last Tuesday (March 2) morning. Anyone with information should call 01689 891212.

News Shopper: Freddie went missing last week