A SHAKEN-UP young woman says she no longer feels safe after cruel crooks smashed into her car before snatching an expensive handbag and her driving licence.
Flavia Maria’s light blue Fiat 500 was broken into on Thursday at about 8.30pm, while it was parked inside an enclosed garage in Quayside Drive, Colchester.
The trainee solicitor, 24, realised her car had been tampered with when her partner went down to her vehicle the following morning while she was working upstairs.
Upon closer inspection, Flavia was distraught to find her driving licence had been taken, as well as her cream Mulberry purse, worth more than £1,000.
“At first I thought my partner was joking as we park in a closed garage, but he was being serious,” said the Romania national, who has lived in the UK since 2018.
“I immediately started to panic because he believed some of our personal documents were stolen and my handbag which had my cards and driving licence in was gone.
“I’m hoping the bag will be dumped somewhere and could be returned to me, but if whoever did this is aware of the value I expect they will try to sell it.”
READ MORE: Colchester Council unveils 12 new two-bedroom flats
READ MORE: Colchester North Hill building could become takeaway and hostel
As a result of the theft, Flavia has been left unable to independently commute to place of work in Suffolk and will now have to rely on her partner.
She has also been told she will need to get a power of attorney from the Romanian embassy in London so a relative in her homeland can replace her driving licence.
“I can get a new driving licence without travelling home but it looks easier to travel and just do it myself abroad,” added Flavia.
“This means my partner has to drive me to work until I get new one.
“But the main thing is I no longer feel safe here. I am still in shock this has happened.”
A spokesman for Essex Police said: "We’re investigating a theft from a motor vehicle which was reported to us in Quayside Drive, Colchester, shortly after 11am on Friday 27 January.
"It’s reported that a handbag and Apple AirPods were taken during the incident.
"No arrests have been made and our enquiries are ongoing.
"We need anyone who witnessed the incident or has information on it to get in touch.
"You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday between 10am-9pm.
"Visit essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about our website reporting services.
"Alternatively, you can call us on 101. Please cite crime reference 42/16076/23."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel