Car dealer loses all his keys

A car salesman was today keeping a round-the-clock security vigil at his Telford dealership after losing a briefcase containing the ignition keys to every vehicle parked on the lot.

Kenny Preston, boss of Telford Trade Centre in Oxford Street, Oakengates, drove away from his premises last night after closing up – but failed to realise he had left the briefcase on the pavement.

Ignition keys to 29 nearly-new vehicles were kept in the case.

Now Mr Preston is being forced to sleep overnight at the car sales yard to keep the vehicles secure.

He estimated it would cost £3,500 to obtain new locks and ignition systems for the cars so he was offering a £500 reward to anyone who came across the black briefcase and returned it safely. Mr Preston, of Trench, said he had contacted police but so far the case had not been handed in.

He said: "My whole livelihood was contained in the case. I remember putting the case on the pavement when I locked up the office, but I can't recall picking it up again.

"It was only when I returned to the yard this morning that I realised what I had done. To say I am in a panic is an understatement. I just want the briefcase back with the keys and I am prepared to pay a reward, no questions asked."

Mr Preston, who founded Telford Trade Centre two years ago, added: "Even though the actual premises are secure I am going to have to be present all night at the car lot to watch over the vehicles.

"I feel so stupid because I go through the same routine night after night. If the keys are not returned it will be a nightmare because I have people coming to collect some of the vehicles over the weekend," said Mr Preston. "I am pleading for the case and keys to be returned safely.

"They have paid for the cars and the vehicles are ready for collection but how can they drive away their new motor without the keys? The keys are no use to anyone else and I am desperate for the return of the briefcase."

Police appealed for anyone finding the briefcase to hand it in to them. Anyone with information can call Mr Preston on 07907 890994.

By Brett Gibbons