Carers plead to thieves

Supporting Families Wairarapa are asking thieves to return their van, which is used to help people suffering from mental health and addiction issues and disabilities.

SFW manager Tracey Towns said a staff member had noticed the green, 1996, Mitsubishi van was missing on Sunday afternoon. The theft has been reported to the Masterton police.

Ms Towns said the van was a vital part of SFW services and used to provide support to people suffering from mental health and addiction issues as well as transporting volunteers and SFW's Like Minds team to workshops.

"It is really disappointing that it has been targeted as its loss affects so many," she said.

The van, with sliding doors on both sides, is also used for transporting disabled clients.

"I'm pretty gutted really because the van is used to support other people, it stinks to think someone has got it and is going to try and make some sort of personal gain out of it," she said.

Ms Towns is asking that the thieves bring the van back and says no questions will be asked.

SFW will need to replace the van if it is not returned.

"It's going to limit access and our ability to transport the team. ... We would desperately like another van." The van has been in SFW's possession for the last 16 years and was purchased for $12,000.

It has recently been warranted and registered and its licence number is UR 7881.

The van was taken from a carpark outside the SFW building. Nothing else was stolen.

Senior Sergeant Warwick Burr said police were asking for anyone who has seen the vehicle to contact them.