A bride was left ‘heartbroken’ after a taxi driver sped off with a box full of wedding gifts and £300 seconds after dropping her family off on her big day.
Sammie and David Kinder, both 27, was devastated after the thief targeted them outside St George”s Hall in Liverpool.
After the £5 fare was paid, the driver sped away from the couple with a box full of irreplaceable photos and money for their honeymoon.
Sammie and David Kinder, both 27, was devastated after the thief targeted them outside St George”s Hall in Liverpool
Mrs Kinder’s aunt, Lorraine Jones, 52, said the family had booked the cab from local firm Alpha Taxis but suspect the driver was unlicensed.
She said: ‘It completely ruined the day.
‘As soon as we got there and he dropped us off, he did a wheel spin and sped off.
‘We were all left standing outside in our dresses and it was absolutely freezing and starting to hail.
‘I stood outside and called the taxi firm three times until I was called into the venue.
‘It didn’t seem like he had just forgotten from the speed he left – but we gave him the benefit of the doubt.
A handmade card by Mrs Kinder’s aunt Lorraine Jones was among the items stolen
‘We even booked a taxi home with the same firm and had a lovely driver.
‘We had been looking forward to this day for months. Whoever it was has to be held responsible.
‘It was obvious we weren’t from the city because we were asking so many questions and he preyed on us.
‘We didn’t think it was a problem but looking back there were a few warning signs, he wasn’t keen to give us his card in case we needed to book a taxi later on.
‘I was exhausted after calling the firm so many times and just felt like I was getting nowhere, so in the end we went to the police.
‘They have told us that they think this guy was unlicensed and we think the same, although the car looked legitimate though and had all the branding and logos.’
Sam met David while they were both studying at university in Rhyl, North Wales and decided to marry in the groom’s home city of Liverpool.
Bride and groom cuddly toys of Mickey and Minnie Mouse were also among the gifts pinched
The family all travelled on Friday night and booked transport on Saturday afternoon, thinking ahead because of the Liverpool v Chelsea Premier League Match.
After the incident, Mrs Jones and her sister called the company 27 times to try and get to the bottom of where the box and the driver were.
Nursery nurse Sam and David, from Amington, Staffordshire, who are currently in Disneyland Florida, were unaware of what had happened until the end of the day.
Mrs Jones added: ‘They were mortified and heartbroken when they found out.
‘It was a Disney-themed wedding so we had Minnie and Mickey Mouse toys ready to go on their table. We had teacups and cards that I had handmade.
‘There were also lots of sentimental photos of our grandparents who are no longer here.
‘We think everything is probably in a dumpster now and he will have made off with our money.
Ms Jones also made these handmade items for the happy couple on their big day, which were pinched by the callous thief
This purse, which has a batter built in to charge your phone, was also stolen from the couple’s wedding gifts
‘I’d never been to Liverpool before and it’s spoiled my image of the city. If I visit again I will certainly be more suspicious of people.’
A spokesman for Merseyside Police said: ‘We are investigating following a report that a number of items were taken in Liverpool city centre.
‘A report was received that a group of people booked to travel from Boaler Street to St George’s Hall at around 2.45pm on Saturday.
‘Items including cash, a red clutch bag, Mickey Mouse teddies and ceramic hearts were placed in the boot of the vehicle but when the passengers left the vehicle, the car was driven away with the gifts still in the car.
‘Enquiries into this matter are ongoing.
‘Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police on 101, quoting incident reference 0517302601. Alternatively contact the Crimestoppers line anonymously on 0800555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org’