A COUPLE who had their £40,000 Range Rover stolen by armed thieves have thanked the Echo and a good Samaritan for helping to get it back.

Four thugs, armed with a crow bar and knife, threatened the couple before breaking into their car on Elizabeth Gardens, Rochford, last Monday evening.

The couple, who wish to remain anonymous, were forced to helplessly bang on the window and scream down the phone to police for help, before watching thieves drive off with their car.

No arrests have yet been made.

After reading the Echo’s coverage of the incident, Steven Holmes realised the car had been dumped in Falcon Way, Shoebury, the day after it went missing.

The 51-year-old said: “I first noticed the car when I opened the curtains and saw it by my neighbours’ [car]. I knew for sure they didn’t have a £40,000 Range Rover, I’d never seen this before. It was also parked really tightly against the wall in the car park, so I knew something wasn’t right.

“Then I read the article in the Echo and all the puzzle pieces fell into place, I knew it was the same.

“I called the police straight away, worrying the people who stole it would come back and use it for other crimes or ship it abroad. I wanted to deny them the chance of making any money out of taking this poor families car, so I rang The Echo who passed on my number.

“About half hour later one of the owners came round and confirmed it was theirs. I haven’t actually met them myself as I’m disabled and can’t walk, but my wife went out there to help. The police have now taken it for forensics.”

He added: “I was so angry reading what had happened, these people have worked really hard for what they own. I’ve been burgled myself and I know how it can affect you mentally, you feel violated.”

The owner, a 39-year-old woman, said: “We’ve been incredibly lucky to have found our stolen car, all thanks to the power of Facebook, the Echo and local people. This is an incredible result and a small victory for victims of crime. It’s a great example of the local community coming together to help others out.”

“Special thanks to the couple that noticed the car and who contacted The Echo and police. Also, thanks to our neighbours and community who have been so incredibly kind and supportive.”