Shock as doctor’s car stolen from outside his Sheffield home in keyless theft

An anesthetist from Sheffield has been forced to miss work after his car was stolen by thieves who didn’t even need the key.
By Alana Roberts
Published 10th Dec 2020, 20:07 BST
Updated 11th Dec 2020, 15:28 BST
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Andy Mitchell, who works at Rotherham General Hospital, discovered that the dark grey Ford Focus RS had been stolen from the driveway of his home on Rufford Rise, Beighton, last night.

Mr Mitchell, 45, and his wife Claire, who are both healthcare workers, saw the car on the drive just before 9pm on December 9 but an hour later it had vanished.

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The dark grey Ford Focus RS was stolen from Rufford Rise, Beighton, sometime between around 9 and 10pm on December 9The dark grey Ford Focus RS was stolen from Rufford Rise, Beighton, sometime between around 9 and 10pm on December 9
The dark grey Ford Focus RS was stolen from Rufford Rise, Beighton, sometime between around 9 and 10pm on December 9
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It is believed the crooks replicated the car’s key fob signal using a scanning device, known as relay theft.

Mrs Mitchell, 41, said that both keys were still in the house – one in a ‘signal blocking’ pouch and another in the living room at the back of the home.

The mum-of-two, who also works at Rotherham Hospital as a pharmacist, said: "We found the side gate open so don’t know if they’ve come down the side of the house to get a better signal from the key.

"Luckily there was nothing of value in the car but it’s just the inconvenience. He [Mr Mitchell] currently works on ITU (Intensive care unit) and in theatres. He’s had offers of lifts and I work there as well, although we start at different times so I couldn’t take him anyway.

The Mitchell family are urging the public to call police if they spot the dark grey Ford Focus RS as Mr Mitchell needs the vehicle to get to work at Rotherham HospitalThe Mitchell family are urging the public to call police if they spot the dark grey Ford Focus RS as Mr Mitchell needs the vehicle to get to work at Rotherham Hospital
The Mitchell family are urging the public to call police if they spot the dark grey Ford Focus RS as Mr Mitchell needs the vehicle to get to work at Rotherham Hospital
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"They’ve had to find cover for him today and at the moment so many staff are off in the hospital, it’s critical that whoever can go in goes in.

"He had to take the day off to sort everything out but took my car to go in this evening.”

It is claimed that a person wearing dark clothing and a mask was seen acting suspiciously in the area around the time of the theft.

Mrs Mitchell added: “It’s just that shock that someone has come to our house and taken the car off the drive, then you start to think of all the things you can and can’t do. Your mind is all over the place."

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Luckily, Mr Mitchell’s insurance company have agreed to waive the excess fee and provide a hire car as he works for the NHS – however this is not a permanent solution.

Anyone with information should could police on 101 and quote crime reference number 14/180728/20.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.