A MECHANIC whose car was stolen on the morning of his young son’s birthday has said he will stop at nothing get the family car back from unscrupulous crooks.

Biorel Dutui, 48, woke on Saturday to find his silver Mazda CX5 had been stolen from outside his family home in Pownall Crescent, Colchester.

He said he panicked and phoned the police immediately before sharing pictures of the car – which he only bought at an auction one month ago – on social media.

Persistent - Biorel Dutui said he is determined to track down who stole the car, particularly if they are trying to sell it on or dismantle the vehiclePersistent - Biorel Dutui said he is determined to track down who stole the car, particularly if they are trying to sell it on or dismantle the vehicle (Image: Pexels) There are unique features on the car which Mr Dutui hopes will make it easier for him to track it down, and he says he has been trawling websites to see if the vehicle or any of its parts have been put up for sale.

He said: “My heart stopped beating when I saw the car had gone – I had a panic attack with the police.

“I bought many parts for the car which the car doesn’t come with – the pedals are aluminium and it has alloy wheels.

“If someone sold the car, I would recognise it – each person who sells parts of that car, no matter what, I will contact them.

“I painted parts of the car – the plastic parts of the car which are normally in black, I painted in the colour of the car.

“If they sell a door or the bumper, I will know it is my car.”

The car registration is LP23 APV.

The situation was compounded by the fact the car was stolen on his young son’s birthday, but Mr Dutui – who is a mechanic by trade – has said the police have shown willing to track down the car.

He said: “They are working very well and they are on the case.

Stolen - the car was taken on the same day as Biorel Dutui's son's birthdayStolen - the car was taken on the same day as Biorel Dutui's son's birthday (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto) “There is CCTV on the streets – I have spoken with the neighbours and local businesses on the corner.

“The police said they will request the footage that and it will be easier for us [to track down the culprit].”

How to report the incident, or sightings of the car, to police

An Essex Police spokesman said they are investigating the issue and have shared a reference number to quote if anyone has any information.

He said: "We are investigating the theft of a grey Mazda CX-5 that was stolen in Pownall Crescent between 5pm on 18 October and midnight 19 October.

"Our investigation is ongoing and enquiries continue.

"If you have any information in relation to this incident, please contact us quoting incident number 1028 of Monday 21 October."