Family's van stolen during graduation trip

A Dutch family who drove from the Netherlands for their daughter's graduation have had their van stolen.

Possessions, money and medication belonging to University of Wolverhampton graduate Elizabeth Ajose's parents were inside, when it was taken from Bewdley Drive in the city on Sunday night.

The family is appealing for help to try to trace the white van.

A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said they understood the upset and frustration the theft of the vehicle had caused the family.

On CCTV footage recorded from a home on the street, three people with hoods on were seen approaching the Ford Transit, which contained luggage.

The thieves were seen backing the vehicle into a car before driving the van away.

The graduate's parents, father Femi and mother Hannah Ajose, said they have lost all their clothes, credit cards and a substantial amount of money.

They did go to the graduation but admitted they were still in shock.

Elizabeth Ajose said: "My mum was like crying, 'oh, our stuff's [not] in there'.

"Even our pet food was still in there.... everything was in the van."

Her mother said: "I cried all through, because I wasn't happy.

"I [was] supposed to be happy that day, but I was sad all through, crying."

Passports, which were in a bag but not in the van, were not taken.

Both parents, who are now stranded, have serious health problems and all their medication was in the vehicle.

Femi Ajose said: "As I'm talking to you, anything [can] happen, because since Sunday I've never taken my medication, likewise my wife also and it's dangerous to our health."

Anyone with information should contact West Midlands Police, the spokesperson said.

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