THIEVES DEFEATED!
The power of social media shines through to help owner get his Alfa Romeo rally car back
An Alfa Romeo owner has been reunited with his classic less than 24 hours after the vehicle was stolen – thanks to social media.
Adrian Evans’ 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GT 1.6 was stolen while outside his brother’s house in Edinburgh. The car was hot wired by thieves between 12am and 7am on 25 April. Adrian had travelled there from his home in York for the Historic Endurance Rallying Organisation’s (HERO) Scottish Malts Trial and Tour.
His 17-year-old daughter suggested posting on Facebook about the theft and it was then picked up by HERO and classic car insurance specialist Hagerty and the post was quickly viewed by more than 100,000 people.
A couple who had seen the social media post that morning noticed the vehicle outside a garage in Edinburgh where the thieves were trying to start the engine. While the couple phoned police after recognising the Giulia’s number plate, the thieves scarpered.
Edinburgh police returned the vehicle to Adrian that evening and he was still able to take part in the rally.
Adrian says: ‘I just want to thank everyone who took an interest in this and helped to return my car. The police were swift in their response but the power of social media meant that the car was returned to safe custody.
‘It’s really heartwarming to have received help from the classic car fraternity and it really softened what was a horrible situation. Without the help on social media I wouldn’t have got the car back.’