A tree surgeon has been left unable to work after his company van was stolen.

It was taken from the home of Mathew and Amanda Everest on Old Road, East Peckham.

Not only can Mr Everest not work for his H & E Tree Services business after his vehicle was taken on Thursday morning, it means he is unable to employ some freelance workers as well.

“My husband cannot work now,” said 41-year-old Mrs Everest.

“The van is extremely important for him with work.

“We hire freelance people so it is not only us, but it is actually everyone that we provide work for now cannot work until we either find that vehicle or replace it.

“This is our own business which my husband has been running for 10 years, starting from nothing, and then this happens.”

Mrs Everest says she has been shown neighbour’s CCTV which shows a dark-coloured vehicle pulling up at approximately 2.20am before that vehicle and her husband’s white Ford transit headed off in the direction of Hale Street a few minutes later.

She said: “In actual fact, my husband doesn’t actually bring his van home that much.

“For his job, he usually keeps it in his yard which is based elsewhere. But he did on Wednesday.

“He parked it up and, then, we woke up on Thursday morning and it was gone.”

Mrs Everest, whose husband is 43, added: “It is quite a recognisable vehicle, to be honest.

“It has quite high sides and it has our logos on it.”

Kent Police say officers are investigating the theft.

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is urged to contact Kent Police on 01622 604100, quoting crime reference 46/39357/21.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or using the anonymous online form on their website.

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