A lifetime's supply of crisps or £2,000 – that is what the owner of Corkers Crisps is offering for the safe return of his family's beloved Postman Pat style van.
Ross Taylor, who owns the huge company, based in between Little Downham and Pymoor, says everyone at the firm is "gutted" following the theft of the distinctive red vehicle – but in particular his 13-year-old son, William, a pupil at King's Ely.
Thieves stole the van – and the toy black and white cat which was inside it – some time between January 17 and 31.
Ross and his family are now so desperate to get the vehicle back that he is offering a £2,000 reward for its safe return – or a lifetime's supply of Corkers crisps.
Ross said: "We're all gutted by the theft and desperately want the vehicle back.
"I bought the car – a 1972 William microcar – at the Cheffins classic car auction in Sutton four years ago.
"My son's name is William, he was with me, we liked the look of it, even though it was a total wreck, and we bid for it.
"We paid £800 for it and my mechanic spent months and months restoring it.
"He fitted it with a Honda quad engine and it really is superb.
"I'd say it is worth around £5,000 or £6,000 now."
Ross said the vehicle, which had a toy cat inside it and an old air raid siren fitted to it for added affect, was well known not just in Cambridgeshire but across the whole of the UK.
He said: "My son drove the van around the farm all the time so he's pretty devastated that it's been stolen, but it was more than just a farm run-around.
"It was our promo vehicle – it came to shows and events across the UK with us, including TruckFest, for example.
"Everyone loved it, especially the children, and we've done so much with it.
"We've filled it with crisps, we've used it for photo shoots, we've used it for fundraising events; it's part of Corkers."
The vehicle was in an open outbuilding on the farm when it was stolen.
Ross said: "It's light enough for two people to lift so they would've got away with it quite easily and quickly.
"I should say they put it onto the back of a truck or a van and then just drove off.
"We want it back. We're so desperate to get it back that I'm offering a £2,000 reward for its safe return – or a lifetime's supply of Corkers crisps – the choice is theirs.
"I don't think for one minute we'll get it back but you never know.
"I'd urge everyone in the area to keep an eye out for it; it's not as if you can miss it."
Police are urging anyone with any information to call them on 101.
Speaking on the Policing East Cambridgeshire Facebook page, a spokesman said: "While Postman Pat is now struggling to deliver the post we feel confident that this distinctive vehicle will be recognised if it is seen out and about."
