A fully stocked ‘Chocmobile’ has been stolen from outside the offices of Hotel Chocolat – and anyone who helps find it will get free chocolate for five years.
The ice cream van, which also serves hot chocolate, brownies and coffee, was stolen from the company’s secure car park at its head office in Royston, Hertfordshire, on Tuesday.
And police have now launched a search for the culprits, after they were caught on CCTV smashing a window to gain entry to the vehicle before stealing it.
Angus Thirlwell, the chief executive and founder of the firm, has described the theft of the chocolate maker’s van as ‘like losing a limb’.
The ice cream van, which also serves hot chocolate, brownies and coffee, was stolen from the company’s secure car park at its head office in Royston, Hertfordshire, on Tuesday
Angus Thirlwell (pictured), the chief executive and founder of the firm, has described the theft of the chocolate maker’s van as ‘like losing a limb’
Dozens have taken to social media to share an appeal to find the van (above and below), with many taking the opportunity to make puns about the theft
He said: ‘I hope they’re resting somewhere in a lay-by, having overdosed on hot chocolate from the van and are sleeping it off.
‘It was was all booked to go to the BBC Countryfile event and it literally disappeared overnight.
‘There is a tracker on it. But it’s not as good as you’d expect it to be.
‘We can see broadly it’s on the move and the North Herts constabulary are in charge of getting it back for us. We’ve alerted our customers to be on the lookout for it.’
Mr Thirlwell is now offering free chocolate for five years and a tour of the company’s ‘Inventing Room’ for information leading to its return.
He added: ‘We’ve got CCTV and they brought a flatbed trailer to specially steal it. It took about an hour moving it on.’
Speaking to MailOnline, he revealed that the van and all its contents were worth around £30,000, adding: ‘It was like losing a puppy – the Chocmobile is my personal project – Hotel Chocolat dispensing happiness around the country.
‘The response from our customers to try and find it has been lovely – made me feel a bit better about it.’
The van was custom-made and travelled the country selling and handing out Hotel Chocolat products.
Dozens have taken to social media to share an appeal to find the van, with many taking the opportunity to make puns about the theft.
Mr Thirlwell is now offering free chocolate for five years and a tour of the company’s ‘Inventing Room’ for information leading to its return
The van (left) was custom-made and travelled the country selling and handing out Hotel Chocolat products (right, the ice cream it serves)
Dozens have taken to social media to comment on the theft, with many choosing to share amusing memes (above and below)
Writing on Facebook, Ben Jones said: ‘Haven’t heard a Wispa round my way, maybe if you offer some sort of Bounty someone might come forward? Unless it’s Cadbury up to their old Twix again? Is any of this helping?’
While Sarah Benwell said: ‘Wasn’t me (she says whistling nonchalantly and wiping chocolate off her chin).’
And Rob Whoami said: ‘Did it happen After Eight? Hopefully the thieves will have a soft centre and return it after going nuts in it.’
Others took the theft more seriously, with Alexa Nolte saying: ‘I saw the van on the Hotel Chocolate TV programme and the enthusiasm of the young lady was amazing.
‘You must all be devastated and very angry! I hope it’s found soon and those responsible are banned from eating your beautiful chocolate ever again.’
And Libby Field said: ‘The thief should be easy to spot. Likely to be in a chocolate overdose coma by now, I know I would be. Apologies for the joke, which is probably in poor taste. I hope you find the perpetrators and recover your van soon.’
Hertfordshire Police confirmed the force was investigating the theft.
A spokesman said CCTV showed three males smashing a window to gain entry to the vehicle before stealing it.