By CASEY NEILL
“PLEASE don’t damage it – it’s too good a vehicle to be knocked about.”
This was the plea from Narre Warren North retiree John Archibald yesterday (Wednesday).
Thieve stole his Ford GT Mustang convertible from his home in Jacques Road between Friday 2 May and Monday 5 May.
“Since I could walk I’ve always wanted to have a Mustang,” he said.
“I can imagine why someone else wanted to get their backside in it and have a flutter in it.
“Take bloody good care of it, respect it and leave it somewhere where it can be found or picked up without a scratch on it.”
Mr Archibald bought the car two years ago but said few people knew he had it.
He suspected someone took a liking to it, followed him home and returned to steal it.
“It was one of the retirement plans. It’s electric blue with a black vinyl roof with a beige interior,” he said.
“It’s got a V8 motor, distinctive 20-inch wheels and the number plates on it are very distinctive – OZGT2.”
Tim Archibald said the theft had been gut-wrenching for his dad.
“It’s a car that he’s bought as a reward,” he said.
“There will be some damage. They’ve driven it through a drain at about 30 centimetres deep to get it off the property. And who knows how they’re driving it.
“I hope they don’t kill or injure anyone driving it – it is quite a quick car.”
Detective Senior Constable Andrew Pybus said police on a routine patrol spotted the car at the BP service station on the corner of Stud and Heatherton roads, Dandenong, about 1.15am on Wednesday.
He said police recognised the car as stolen and tried unsuccessfully to get the driver to pull over.
“There wasn’t a pursuit,” he said.
Sen Const Pybus said police were reviewing CCTV footage from the area.
“It’s a great car and we’re doing all we can to get it back for them,” he said.
Call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au with any information.
