Driver’s message to car owners after bumper stolen from his VW Golf in Sheffield

The VW Golf was parked on Russell Street in the Kelham Island area when it was targeted.

The victim, who does not want to be identified, told The Star: “I would urge motorists to be careful – but I parked my car on a busy street at a busy time of day and it still happened to me.

“My car is being repaired now.

“It’s an insurance job – I’ve had to pay a £350 excess and my premiums will shoot up.”

He added: “From speaking to people since it happened, there seem to be many similar thefts.

“The garage repairing my car had others to do over Christmas.

“I’ve found many people on Facebook, eBay and Gumtree selling VW Golf bumpers – some look like legitimate businesses but others don’t.”

The man’s bumper was stolen while he was out having dinner with his family on the evening of Saturday, January 4.

Police were alerted but no arrests have been made.

A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police said there did not appear to be an increase in vehicle crime in the Kelham Island area.

Last month, The Star reported that thieves stole parts from a car parked in the Ecclesfield area of Sheffield – and left a worrying message on the icy windscreen.

They stole a bonnet, number plate and front bumper – then wrote ‘S2 crew again ha ha’ on the icy windscreen to link the theft to the work of a specific criminal gang.