Kind act ends misery for theft victim

A generous gift from one local business restores a Honiton’s woman’s faith in humanity after her wheel trims were stolen.

A theft victim from Honiton has had her faith in humanity restored - thanks to the generosity of a local businessman, who read about her plight in the Midweek Herald.

Barbara Baker, who discovered all four of her wheel trims had been stolen from her car on Mother’s Day, was over the moon when HiQ, based in Kings Road, offered to replace them free of charge.

The 62-year-old was left devastated by the theft and last week met with Julian Hellyer, of HiQ, to have her new wheel trims fitted.

“This shows that there are nice people around,” said Barbara. “I feel better now - it feels more like my car. I am looking forward to driving it again.

“I have got more faith in people than I had before.”

Barbara had parked her car in Silver Street when the wheel trims were stolen but is unsure when the theft took place.

Months prior to this latest incident she also had the Nissan badges taken from the front and rear of her car.

She told the Midweek Herald that the car had previously been in an “immaculate condition”.

Julian Hellyer, from HiQ, said: “It is good to be able to help someone in the local community and help someone in distress.

“It is horrible to have all the wheel trims stolen and it was something we could help with.”

Barbara added: “I really appreciate what HiQ have done - this means more than they know.

“It has made all the difference to me driving the car again.”

Anyone with information about the theft is urged to call police in Honiton on 101.