By Emily Parsons

Last updated at 10:12, Monday, 27 August 2012

A pensioner has been left distraught after joyriders stole his beloved three-wheeled car.

The Reliant Robin

The Reliant Robin was taken from St Mark’s Close, in St Anne’s Hill, Carlisle, at about 1am on Friday.

The vehicle was later found burnt out on grassland nearby, to the rear of Dean Close.

Its owner is said to have been left heartbroken as it held great sentimental value to him.

Variations of the three-wheeled Reliant Robin were produced between 1973 and 2002, but perhaps the two best known are actually Reliant Regal Supervans; both Del Boy Trotter in Only Fools and Horses and Mr Bean owned the vehicles.

Investigating officer Det Con Chris Hind, from Carlisle CID, said: “What appears to have started out as a bit of a childish prank has caused a great deal of upset to the victim.

“This vehicle was of great sentimental value and is now ruined.”

He continued: “People within the community know who is responsible for this crime, and I appeal for them to contact Carlisle CID with information.”

Anyone who saw people acting suspiciously in the area or anyone with information about those responsible is urged to contact DC Chris Hind by calling 101.

First published at 09:52, Monday, 27 August 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk