“Would your parents be proud?”

This is the question a victim has asked the thief who stole a wallet from her van.

The thief broke into the van in Chessington Road, Ewell, at about 2am on Saturday, July 1.

They triggered a motion sensor while lurking behind the family’s other car and checked on other vehicles before breaking into the van, the owner - who wanted to remain anonymous - told the Epsom Guardian.

During the theft, they smashed a window, causing £180 of damage, the owner added.

In a letter to the Epsom Guardian the owner called for the thief to reimburse them the cost of replacing the window.

The letter continued: “Do you really think your behaviour is acceptable?

“Would you like to have your property stolen or damaged?

“Would your parents be proud?”

The owner added: “These people need to think what it cost others when they can just help themselves and snoop around the streets in the early hours of the morning”.

The thief was wearing a beanie and was carrying a torch, and “wasn’t that tall”, the owner told the Epsom Guardian.

The police responded “quickly and efficiently”, they added.

Surrey Police is investigating and the force’s investigation remains ongoing.

To offer information, call Surrey Police on 101, quoting crime reference number 45170070128.