Thieves steal Salvation Army captain’s car

Oct 20 2008 by Andrew Newport, Paisley Daily Express

A SALVATION Army boss admits he’s finding it hard to show Christian tolerance – after sneaky thieves trashed his car.

Captain Stephen Poxon was dismayed to discover that callous crooks had pinched his Vauxhall Cavalier from his driveway.

And the agony was piled on when cops later found the car lying wrecked four miles away in Johnstone.

It has now been sent for scrap.

Generous charity worker Stephen has told how the neds – who smashed their way inside the car under cover of darkness before driving off – have caused havoc to his work with the Sally Army.

“My wife Heather and I work full-time for the Salvation Army so, on a number of levels, the theft of our car was chaotic,” said Stephen, who lives in Glenburn, Paisley.

“We had to reorganise things in our diary at short notice, which is easier said than done.

“We had appointments and meetings with people who were expecting to see us and had to cancel some of those.

“My 12-year-old daughter Jasmine goes to Gleniffer High, which is a good 30-minute walk from our home, and we usually drop her at school but had to make new arrangements for that.

“The theft of our car really threw our whole week into disarray.”

Stephen, who moved to Scotland two years ago from his previous posting in Hertfordshire, admits the crime has left him feeling let down by the people he is here to help.

“I know enough about Paisley and Buddies, having lived in the town for two years, to know that car thieves certainly do not represent the vast majority of people here,” he said.

“It is just such a pity that Paisley is forced to play host to those who let the side down and tarnish the town’s image.

“I would say to the thief or thieves who stole my car and ruined it that they disrupted my work and my family life quite considerably.

“We ran our 15-year-old car not as a luxury but as a necessity and we have been put to considerable inconvenience trying to make an insurance claim and buy a replacement.

“On my annual allowance of £7,000 – my sole income – buying a reliable replacement car is easier said than done.

“Maybe, just maybe, those who are responsible for all of that distress, inconvenience and expense will stop to think about the consequences of their actions. I doubt it but it’s possible.

“They may also wish to reflect upon the image of Paisley their actions create for someone who is a guest resident here.”

Stephen said that one brighter note has been the response of the police since he reported his vehicle as stolen.

He added: “I’d like to take this opportunity to extend my thanks to the police for their help in the matter.

“These days, it is fashionable to criticise the police and to focus on their failures but, in my experience, they are entitled to a pat on the back and a little bit of praise.

“Within a short time of reporting my car as stolen, two police officers visited my house and conducted an efficient and courteous interview.

“Then, within a couple of days, the police had located my car in Johnstone and immediately telephoned me with information and advice. Subsequently, I was updated by the police, with further information about my car. This was all appreciated.”

A police spokesperson asked anyone who has information about the theft to call them on 0141 532 5900.