Theft of classic leaves owner heartbroken

CHRIS Sims’s EH Holden has been his pride and joy for more than 20 years — until recently.

Mr Sims bought the 1964 Holden as his first car in 1994 when he was just 19 years old.

But between March 17 and 23, the light-green wagon was stolen from a shed on his father’s Underwood farming property, northeast of Launceston.

Police are searching for the car, but Mr Sims has no information about its whereabouts.

Valued at about $25,000, the car also holds a great deal of value to Mr Sims, who locked it away at the Lilydale Rd property in 2004 to preserve it.

“I bought it at 19. It was the first car I got so it has a lot of sentiment to me,” he said.

“They’re pretty rare these days. I have young kids and I would have liked to hand it on to them. It’s not in anyone’s right to go around stealing stuff.”

Mr Sims said a four-wheeldrive similar to a white Nissan Patrol or Land Cruiser was seen at a property behind his father’s about 8am on March 21 and is of interest to the case.

He also believes the thieves knew the Holden was locked away.

“There is a chance someone came across it, but we think someone knew it was there,” he said.

“People know we have old cars in the shed and that’s been passed on to the wrong people.”

The thieves also stole tools, fuel and parts. Mr Sims estimated the total loss at $35,000, including damage caused by breaking in to the shed.

Detective Senior Constable Josh Hayes said there had been a few potential sightings around Launceston and Hobart. The registration plate is C04106.

“It’s a unique vehicle but I am confident it will come up sooner rather than later,” Detective Hayes said.

Anyone with information is urged to call Launceston CIB on 131 444, Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or log on to crimestopperstas.com.au.