Landcrab torched by vandals
Arsonists destroy prized Morris 1800 – but owner has already bought another
A North Wales family is ‘heartbroken’ after their 1974 Morris 1800 was set alight in the early hours of 12 June.
Jacob Theunissen, who also owns an Austin Westminster, a 1300 and an Allegro, bought the 1800 as a running restoration. His cars make regular appearances at historic vehicle shows in nearby Cheshire and Shropshire.
Jacob’s partner, Tracey Anne, said: ‘My kids were heartbroken when we told them. My youngest was scared the people who did it would come for us. We drove it every day and I’ve had so many lovely comments and messages saying that they loved it.
‘The police did look at CCTV footage but we haven’t heard anything.’
Jacob parked the 1800 in a nearby community centre car park after his road was dug up for broadband work. He carried out repairs to its Hydrolastic suspension in the community centre grounds before leaving the car overnight, assuming that it would be safe.
Jacob has now bought an earlier Austin 1800 which is to replace the Austin for family transport duties. Tracey Anne added: ‘It happened so quick; it came up for sale the day after our car was torched and friends egged him on to buy it.’
North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said it is treating the fire as deliberate.
A spokesman for the service said that North Wales Police has now launched a criminal investigation.
A fire service spokesman said: ‘This is serious anti-social behavior and it’s lucky that no-one was hurt.
‘We are working closely with the authorities, and anyone with further information is urged to call North Wales Police, quoting crime reference number W078414.’