Distraught Honor Oak four-year-olds' 'holidays stolen' after camper van theft

Helen Brookes says bright orange VW van ‘Heidi’ was like a “family member” which had faithfully brought twins Daisy and Isla Kelly home from hospital and taken them on countless adventures across Europe.

The colourful camper van was stolen from outside the family’s flat in Honor Oak Road between September 27 at 9pm and the early hours of September 28 and they are appealing for help tracking it down.

Ms Brookes, 38, who works for children’s charity NSPCC, said: “It’s been a member of the family.

“We used to go away in her whenever we could

“We are distraught. I have had to break it to my four-year-olds.

“It has stolen their holidays.”

The mother-of-two bought the vehicle in Germany seven years ago with her partner Angus Kelly and the couple believe the locked van – which had a wheel clamp on – must have been lifted onto a truck.

She went on to ask people to keep an eye out for the van or its parts and urged other motorists to fit a tracker and alarm on their vehicles.

The T25 VW van has a white stripe down the side, with a small smokey-coloured window each side and registration number B722 RLP. The back seat interior has an orange and green plaid pattern.

A Lewisham Police spokeswoman said: “The area was checked by officers for broken glass but none were found.

"It is believed the lock may have been damaged by the suspect to gain entry.

“No description of suspects and no arrests made.

“The vehicle has been circulated as stolen by police.”

Anyone with information about the vehicle should contact police on non emergency number 101. Or email Helen at h1brookes@gmail.com