45% surge in car thefts

MOURNERS at comedian Freddie Starr’s funeral raised a smile as he was laid to rest in a coffin bearing the words “Return to Sender”.

It was a fitting punchline for big Elvis Presley fan Freddie – but everyone was kept guessing as to whose idea it was.

Freddie’s versions of Presley’s hits “Don’t” and “Trouble” rang out during the service yesterday, which was attended by about 400 people.

They included his estranged wife Sophie Lea, 38, and daughter Tara Coleman-Starr, 22, at the church near Freddie’s childhood home in Prescot, Merseyside. His fourth wife Sophie said later: “It was so comforting to see so many friends and fans pay TED ALERT In red jacket respects.” Freddie was an Everton fan but many mourners wore red, a reminder of his bright Teddy Boy jacket. Sophie said: “He would have loved that." Although few from showbiz attended, hundreds of admirers, among them TV personality Derek Acorah, braved the rain to applaud as his coffin was carried into St Mary the Blessed Virgin. Canon John Taylor said: “His comic genius brought joy to thousands.” He read tributes, including one from Freddie’s daughter Ebony, who said: “RIP to my hero. You’ve inspired me.” There were fears Freddie, who died aged 76 at his home in Spain, faced a pauper’s funeral. But funeral director Michael Fogg paid for his body to be flown home. He said: “I wanted a proper funeral. Anybody who can make an undertaker laugh must be a bloody good comedian.” Four-times wed, dad-of-six Freddie was huge in the 70s and 80s but his health failed and in 2015 he faced bankruptcy after losing a court case on a groping claim. Derek Acorah THEFTS of vehicles have shot up 45% in five years.

Around 112,000 were stolen in the UK last year, according to police figures.

Analysis by insurer Direct Line shows the West Midlands has suffered the biggest increase – a threefold rise from five years ago.