Mini stolen in village used in raid on pub
A new Mini stolen from a home in a Shropshire village was used by a gang of three men in a raid on a nearby pub, police have revealed.
The thieves broke into a house in Hopton Wafers, near Cleobury Mortimer, and took keys for a silver Mini Countryman before driving off in the car. It was then used in a burglary at the Coopers Arms pub in Kidderminster just hours later.
Police believe the initial break-in took place sometime either on Sunday evening or the early hours of Monda.
They say three men dressed in black were seen driving away from the pub in Kidderminster shortly after 3.15am on Monday in the Mini after breaking in and stealing a safe containing the pub's takings. The Mini, which has not been seen since, was six weeks old when it was taken and had less than 1,000 miles on the clock.
It was bought for about £24,000, and had an in-built satellite navigation system and leather seats.
Officers investigating the incident say the car has silver roof bars on a black coloured roof and horizontal stripes near the bottom of the doors.
The owner, who did not wish to be named, said: "It's the first brand new car we have had and we are devastated.
"As well as the distress of knowing someone came into our home while we were asleep, which has made us feel very insecure."
Witnesses can contact Constable Niki Deakin on 101, or ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
