THIEVES stole a car left to a woman by her grandad.

Intruders got into Kerry Dedman-Brown’s house, in Cedar Rise, South Ockendon, and grabbed the keys to the silver Mazda MX-5 Arizona, and a “thunder grey” Ford Titanium X last Wednesday, while the family were asleep.

Mrs Dedman-Brown, 50, pictured right, said: “The car was handed to me by my grandad in his will.

“It’s not the cost of it, it’s just the thought that they’ve stolen something with such emotional value. I’ll never get that sentimental value back.”

“Police think the cars were stolen to order.

“My husband’s Ford was in the garage, so they must have been watching to know that was there.”

Investigating officer, Ds Natalia Ross, said: “We have examined CCTV from the local area and these two stolen cars are seen driving around for a couple of hours.

“We’re not sure why, but we’re hoping that someone would have seen them. The Mondeo is on a 57-plate while the Mazda is on a 02-plate.”

The theft took place between 3am and 4.30am.

Police conducted a forensic examination of the property, with house-to-house enquiries also being carried out.

If you have information regarding the burglary contact detectives at Grays police station on 101, or Crimstroppers anonymously on 0800 555111.