A CHEF has today launched a desperate search for her car after thieves made off with it in the middle of the night.

A CHEF has today launched a desperate search for her car after thieves made off with it in the middle of the night.

Patricia Watkins heard her distinctive baby blue Ford Fiesta, with pink flowers painted on the outside, being driven away by thieves at 1am yesterday.

So far the car has not been recovered, but the 26-year-old fears it may have been set on fire by the criminals who took it.

Ms Watkins, who was staying at her boyfriend's house in Bradley Street, Ipswich, when the theft happened, said: “It was parked just across from my boyfriend's house.

“I heard noises and realised it was my car being reversed because I know what my car sounds like.

“I looked out of the window and it had gone.

“I really don't know how they got in. It happened to my boyfriend recently too. His car was broken into and left down the street.”

Ms Watkins, of Chelmondiston who works as a chef at the Brantham Bull pub, said she bought her car in July and had made it her own by sticking the pink flowers on the panels and adding pink air fresheners, cowgirl hats and other novelty items.

Her work clothes were also in the car, registration number K95 WPD, along with a large collection of CDs.

She added: “I'm upset and gutted. I loved my car to bits.”

Anyone with information about the theft should call Suffolk police on 01473 613500.

Have you been a victim of a theft? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.