A dad has told of the moment his “dream car” was stolen while he was on a night out.

Colin Fitzpatrick was shocked when he stepped out of Genting Casino in Terminus Terrace in the early hours of Monday morning to find his £30,000 4x4 Range Rover had been stolen from the casino’s car park.

The 66-year-old from Langley is a member of the Southampton casino and has used the car park several times and has never had any issues.

Colin said: “I have owned the car for eighteen months. I bought the car and customised it to my liking. It has cost me around £8,000 to change it and to make it just as I want it.

“It was my dream car; I have always had BMWs but always dreamt of owning a Range Rover and it has taken me a long time to buy it.”

On Sunday night, at around 7pm, the managing director of South West Cradles parked his 2013 Range Rover Vogue with his CD collection and a new car battery worth £300 inside and stepped into the casino expecting an enjoyable night.

Seven hours later, at 2am, the dad of one came face to face with a nightmare.

READ MORE: Couple left in shock after £70,000 car is stolen before their very eyes

Daily Echo: Colin Fitzpatrick's 'dream car', Range Rover EvoqueColin Fitzpatrick's 'dream car', Range Rover Evoque (Image: Colin Fitzpatrick)

'I could not believe it'

Colin said: “For a split second I questioned myself whether I parked there. But that's where I knew I had parked but when I got there was another car parked in its place.

“I notified the manager, and the staff had a look on CCTV, and they could see the two people but you couldn’t identify them.

“The casino has security, and I really didn’t think that this sort of thing would happen.

“I could not believe it.”

Colin then called the police to report the theft and officers took a statement from him in the following days.

He is in limbo as his insurance company, Halifax, cannot pay out until the police confirm the car will not be able to be recovered.

Hampshire Police said officers are currently investigating and following a number of lines of enquiry including CCTV scoping, in order to identify those responsible.

Anyone with information should contact the force using the reference number 44230473952.