THIEVES added to Steve Eyre's World Cup misery by stealing his £12,000 caravan from his front drive on the night that England lost to Argentina.

And Father-of-three Mr Eyre, of Glynswood, Chinnor, believes the theft took place while the family was watching last Tuesday's match.

To make matters worse the theft has ruined the family's plan for a two-week caravan holiday in Brittany, France, at the weekend.

The 41-year-old photographer said: "While we were going through the agonies of the England team, quite another team were preparing far greater agonies for us by quietly uncoupling our caravan from the back of the car, parked right in front of the house under a streetlight, and making off with it.

"My wife discovered the theft at 6am while preparing to go out for an early shift as a paramedic, and shortly after I called 999 to report the theft. I didn't think it could get any worse after the England match. It was a pretty sad night all round."

He said his insurance company had agreed to pay out for the magnolia-coloured M-reg Abbey Spectrum caravan but was under no obligation to do so because it was not secured with a wheel clamp or a hitch lock.

Mr Eyre added: "It was a real blow. It's normally locked away in a barn on a farm, but we had it on the driveway because I was going to take it to the dealer in Reading in the morning to have a few things done on it."

"People say they are bitter, but you don't know what that means until you feel physically sick.

"I have got children aged nine, seven and five, and we are all really disappointed."

A police spokesman said: "The public must be aware that there are opportunist criminals who set out to take advantage of occasions when a large proportion of the general public are distracted by major events being shown on television."

% Anyone who may have information about the caravan's whereabouts should contact police on (01296) 396000

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