A businessman has been set back £12,000 after a custom-made van was stolen and is offering a “substantial reward” for the conviction of the thieves.

Mark Deeprose, who runs a UPVC transport and recycling business, had parked his Ford Transit tipper on his driveway in Yeates Drive, Kemsley, on Wednesday (July 12).

The next morning, the white vehicle had been taken, but a motorhome and car on the drive had not been touched.

He said: “I noticed at about 5.45am on Thursday. We know it was there at 10.30pm the night before, and we’ve narrowed the theft down to 2am.

“It had UPVC window frames on the back, and they all have custom-made cages with extra long bodies."

“They’ve not got logos, and we’re the only people in Kent that use them – you can’t just go into a shop and buy one.”

He thinks the vehicle was stolen to order as the type of van is very desirable.

Mr Deeprose said he spent all Saturday driving around Sittingbourne and the surrounding area looking for the van.

He is offering a substantial reward for information that leads to a prosecution.

Anyone who can help should call police on 01622 604100, quoting crime reference XY/033886/17.