John Hompot in his Nissan Patrol during the family’s last fourwheel drive trip. Mr Hompot would like to hear from anyone who has spotted the vehicle, with registration number ORP 709.By Jim Mynard
A BERWICK family is calling for the return of their stolen Nissan Patrol – no questions asked.
Photographer John Hompot said the family’s prized Patrol was parked in front of their home when it was stolen on Saturday night.
The theft has shocked the family, and Mr Hompot said he would ask no questions if the people who took the Nissan could return it.
“Our Nissan Patrol is more than just a car to us, they took more than our car,” he said.
“The old fourwheel drive has been in our family since 1984 and it has been the centre of many family trips and memories as well as an emergency trip to a hospital.
“Only a few months ago when my daughter Stefani fell on a camping trip we had to rush her to hospital for emergency surgery.
“It was very serious, but thank God she was okay.
“People who take what doesn’t belong to them always take more than the market value of what they steal.
“I am asking anyone who may have seen the car to give me a call on 9707 3161.
“I just want the car back, I’m not even interested in laying charges,” Mr Hompot said.
“We have reported the theft to police, but if the people who took the car would return it I would say no more.
“I am prepared to forgive.”
Mr Hompot, who has been a photographer in Berwick for 17 years, said he had also seen the dramatic rise in crime and lawlessness in the area.
He said this was going on while politicians quibbled over who should pay their education and travel expenses.
“They should be establishing a bill of rights so that people can feel safe and free of fear,” he said.
The stolen Nissan is red with a white canopy and has five spotlights mounted on the front.
However, Mr Hompot said if someone was using the vehicle the lights and canopy could have been removed.
