A grieving dad is appealing for help to catch callous thieves who stole his van containing his late daughter’s bible.

Stewart Handling’s Ford Transit van was stolen from outside the family home in Martin Avenue last week as part of a spate of vehicle thefts believed to be orchestrated by an organised crime gang operating across Ayrshire.

Stewart’s 13-year-old daughter Grace was found dead at an address in Irvine after taking ecstasy on the last day of school last year.

Stewart, wife Lorraine and Grace’s older siblings Matthew and Dani were left devastated by the schoolgirl’s tragic death and the fatherof-three says the theft of the van has only added to their pain.

He said: “We can replace the van, but there was a New Testament bible in there which I carried with me because it was Grace’s favourite. I used to read it to her when she was younger. It’s very upsetting to know that it is gone.”

The silver van was stolen between 1.45am and 7.30am on Wednesday, February 6. Stewart says he believes the theft is linked to a spate of similar crimes which have occurred across Ayrshire.

He said: “We’ve been told it’s a crime gang who are very sophisticated and organised and targeting these types of vehicles specifically.

“I can’t see us getting the van back, but I would love to get the contents back. They have a lot of sentimental value.”

Chief Inspector Brian Shaw told the Times that between October 1, 2018 and January 14 this year there were 23 van thefts or thefts from vehicles in North Ayrshire, 21 in East Ayrshire and 13 in South Ayrshire.

Overall these were 42 thefts from vehicles and 13 thefts of vehicles with two attempted thefts.

CI Shaw added: “Police are aware of similar thefts in North, South and East Ayrshire and beyond. Investigations are ongoing but at this moment in time we can’t link this to any groups or individuals.”