Overview

• Thieves broke into Anna Higginbottom and Peter Lesisz’s parked car in Bilbao on July 8, stealing specialist Alpine Performance tools and personal belongings valued at around £60,000.
• The theft included Peter’s passport, causing the couple to miss their ferry to Portsmouth and forcing a 10-hour round trip to Madrid for a temporary replacement.
• Frustrated by language barriers with local police, the pair conducted their own investigation and traced some stolen cards to a local shop.
• Spanish social services have been providing emergency accommodation and basic supplies while they await full consular support.
• On July 12 the couple launched a GoFundMe campaign to recoup losses and fund their return to Scotland.