A north Essex hairdresser has told how a thief jumped into her VW Touran while she was standing by it and then drove off with around £400 in takings.

East Anglian Daily Times: Denise Tuck's VW Touran, which was stolen. Picture: CONTRIBUTEDDenise Tuck's VW Touran, which was stolen. Picture: CONTRIBUTED

Denise Tuck, of Viking Way, Holland-on-Sea, had pulled up in Park Square West, Jaywick, after seeing someone she knew on the pavement.

The 33-year-old got out to speak with her friend, leaving her keys in the black seven-seater vehicle she bought for around £11,000 to £12,000 less than six months ago.

Mrs Tuck, a mother of two young children, said: “I got out of the car and walked round to the passenger side. I stood by the car, talking to someone I know.

“All the windows were open. I had put my keys on my bag on the passenger seat, and then I just heard the car door go and the car was gone.”

Mrs Tuck is fearful she had been followed to the location where she got out of her vehicle by someone targeting the VW Touran.

She said: “It’s a bit scary really to think someone followed you.”

Mrs Tuck ran into a house nearby and called 999 following the theft, which took place at around 5.20pm last Wednesday.

Mrs Tuck has been told after the theft a Parcel Force van pulled up in a driveway where it was stolen as the driver made a delivery. The VW Touran was then seen nearby full of people.

The self-employed hairdresser, who is also an Avon representative, said: “I haven’t got a car.

“They have taken all my money. They have stolen my work diary. They have had my keys, driving licence and purse.”

Mrs Tuck and her husband have had to change the locks on their home, and the home of a elderly woman Mrs Tuck helps to look after.

A double pram and single pram were in the VW, as well as two children’s car seats, one of which she had only recently bought for £200.

Mrs Tuck added that subsequently her credit card was used at a Shell garage, fast food restaurant and Co-op in Old Road, Clacton.

Mrs Tuck said: “The only thing I had left was my phone, because I accidently left it on charge (at home).”

Anyone with information about the theft should telephone Essex Police on 101 quoting crime number 42/121701/17, or Crimestoppers on freephone 0800 555111.