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Couple devastated after farm truck stolen from Milstead home

A couple have been left devastated after their farm truck was stolen from their home.

Catherine and Dr Chris Neal, 60 and 65, had their green Polaris Ranger stolen from their house in Broadoak Road, Milstead, near Sittingbourne, in the early hours of Thursday, May 20.

Dr Chris Neal with son-in-law Nick Richards and grandson Jack in his Polaris Ranger farm truck, which was stolen from Milstead at the end of May
Dr Chris Neal with son-in-law Nick Richards and grandson Jack in his Polaris Ranger farm truck, which was stolen from Milstead at the end of May

Dr Neal, who worked as a GP for 35 years, is also currently battling a frontal lobe brain tumour.

The couple, who have six children and five grandchildren, moved to Milstead about five years ago, following Dr Neal's diagnosis in 2013.

He had to take early retirement soon after, as did Mrs Neal so that she could care for him.

Mrs Neal said the timing of the theft "could not have been worse" as her husband was "extremely ill" at the moment and the truck was "vital to him for his physical and emotional needs".

She added: "He’s devastated. It’s his lifeline on our little farm.

Have you seen this green Polaris Ranger?
Have you seen this green Polaris Ranger?

"We've got seven acres and animals, and he can't walk very far so he gets into the Polaris and goes and fills up the water troughs for the animals and just feels useful.

"It's his only way of getting around and helping on the farm.

"He used it every day, probably three or four times a day. He can't really do anything now."

The couple, who have been married for 20 years, have had the truck for five years.

"He absolutely loved it, and the grandchildren loved pretending to drive it with their grandpa as well," Mrs Neal said.

Dr Chris Neal with son-in-law Nick Richards and grandson Jack in his Polaris Ranger farm truck, which was stolen from Milstead at the end of May
Dr Chris Neal with son-in-law Nick Richards and grandson Jack in his Polaris Ranger farm truck, which was stolen from Milstead at the end of May

"It would mean everything to him to get it back because it would mean his freedom again."

When asked how the ordeal had made them feel, Mrs Neal said: "It's made us feel unsafe here. It was a horrible invasion of our privacy."

She added: "I'd like to say thank you to all our friends who have been looking out for the truck and who have been chasing up any sightings. They've been amazing."

There have been some sightings of the truck in Faversham. Police are investigating.

A spokesman said: "The vehicle has not yet been located and enquiries are ongoing."

Anyone with information should call police on 101 and quote the reference 20-0286.

Read more: All the latest news from Sittingbourne

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