POLICE are hunting a car thief who befriended a Heysham pensioner before stealing his Ford Granada.

The thief previously spoke to the 73-year-old and said that he would carry out some work on the car to save him taking it to the garage. A few days later was given the keys to do the repairs.

He said he would return the car the day after - but the pensioner, of Knowlys Road, has not seen the thief or his vehicle since.

The car is registered H838 URN and is valued at £280.

A police spokesman says: "This thief befriended the man and showed a great deal of enthusiasm about repairing the car. It was understandable the man wanted to avoid the hassle of going to the garage and this offender seemed genuine.

"But all he has done is taken advantage of someone's good nature and I think it is only fair that every effort is made to reunite this vehicle with its owner.

"I would appeal to anyone who may have any knowledge or information of this incident to contact police."

Lancaster police can be contacted on 01524-63333 or call the Crimestoppers hotline on 0800-555111.