A THIEVING thug cruelly pinched a driver’s car from outside a pub... targeting the vehicle while its owner had stopped inside for a spot of lunch.

Jonathon Bicks, from Billericay, was shocked to find his Ford Fiesta ST Line had been stolen while he was visiting the Kings Head with his fiancee for a bite to eat.

The 27-year-old had parked his electric blue beauty in the car park while he headed inside, only to find the vehicle missing on his return.

The vehicle had been his only mode of transport to get him to work each morning, with Mr Bicks now launching a plea for help in finding his beloved motor.

He said: “I was inside with my other half at the time, and had purposely parked the car somewhere distinctive. It was left underneath a tree, but when I came back I just couldn’t find it.

“I went back inside and the management kindly offered to check CCTV, where they confirmed it had been stolen. I was absolutely gutted, when you look back at the footage you can see him beeline straight for my car.

“He managed to unlock it even though the car was locked, you can tell where the lights come on like that whenever you unlock it.

“I have no idea how he drove it away, but the whole thing didn’t take him very long. Probably about 15 seconds.”

Essex Police have now launched an investigation into the incident, which took place around 12.40pm on Wednesday afternoon last week, encouraging anyone with information to come forward.

The car’s registration number is EO66 LXX.

Mr Bicks continued: “I relied on that car for work and have paid a lot of money for it.

“I was so angry, I’m a key worker and worked all the way through lockdown and this is how I get repaid.

“So if anyone does find it their help is greatly appreciated,”