A man who was visiting his sick wife in a hospice had his car targeted by thieves.

Police were called to ellenor in Coldharbour Road, Northfleet, near Gravesend, to reports a catalytic converter was stolen from a vehicle in the car park while he was inside.

The incident happened on Wednesday between 9am and 3pm.

Daughter Hannah Bussey said: "So some uncaring and obviously uncompassionate person stole my dad's catalytic converter from his car while he was parked and looking after my step mum in the ellenor hospice in Gravesend.

"Now we all know the reason as to why someone would be staying at the ellenor, so not only are these people the worst kind of people in the world they are apparently robots too.

"I mean what they did is terrible but on top of that knowing they done this to someone that is under immense stress and needs his car more than anything to be able to get to and from places at any moment is so much worse.

"I have never been so disappointed in the human race. Absolutely unbelievable that people would do this in the first place.

"It is terribly distressing for the people involved..."

"Well done scumbag I hope your family are proud of you."

Hannah has set up a fundraising page for the hospice in light of the recent events.

The hospice confirmed they are working alongside police to help investigate.

It said: "We are very concerned about the recent act of thefts which took place in our car park on Wednesday between 9am and 3pm.

"It is terribly distressing for the people involved – a family member visiting their loved one, and an ellenor volunteer working at our hospice.

"The incidents have been reported to Kent Police and we are working closely to help with their investigations.

"We are asking anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious in our car park on Wednesday 26 February between those times to please get in contact with Kent Police."

Police spokesman James Walker said: "We are investigating a report a catalytic converter was stolen from a car parked in Coldharbour Road, Northfleet, on Wednesday."

"Inquiries to establish the full circumstances are ongoing."

Last year KentOnline reported there was a 319% increase in catalytic converter thefts in Kent.

Anyone who believes they witnessed any suspicious activity in the area is asked to call police on 01474 366149 quoting 46/37204/20.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111, or by using the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org.

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