A CLASSIC car fanatic has warned motorists to step up their security after thieves stole rare parts worth �1,000 from his beloved Mini.

Cezare White, 27, was left devastated when the offenders broke into the classic Austin Mayfair Mini he was restoring, which he describes as his “pride and joy”.

The thieves stole a set of rare split-rim wheels, a new exhaust system and a series of smaller items from inside the car, which was stored at a garage in Sutton Road, Leverington.

Mr White, a freelance photographer, said the thieves had also caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage by breaking into the car on Thursday evening (December 29).

“It’s really devastating,” he said. “They have waited until the right time of year, when people are away enjoying Christmas and New Year, to try and steal it. “It’s going to take a lot more money and time before I can get it back on the road now. I don’t think it will ever be the same as it was. It’s such a shame.”

The thieves tried several times to start the classic Mini, even adding petrol in an attempt to remove it from the garage. Damage was done to the doors, boot, rear window, rear arch, dashboard, steering column and ignition.

Mr White, a former member of the East Coast Mini Club, bought the car for �1,200 and has spent two years restoring it. He said these thefts were becoming more common.

“I think there’s a lot of it going on,” he said. “I posted what happened on a mini internet forum and it seems there’s a lot being stolen.

“I’ve been meaning to move the car anyway and it’s taken this for it to happen.”

Mr White’s uncle has offered a �100 reward for recovery of the rare wheels.

A police spokesman said the theft happened between 3-8pm on December 29 and an investigation has been launched. Anyone with information should contact police on 101.