A couple from Somerset is making a desperate appeal for help after their beloved cat, Belle, went missing following a surprising adventure inside a delivery van.
On Friday, June 5, surveillance footage captured Belle climbing into an Ocado delivery vehicle during a drop-off at Shiplate Farm near Weston-super-Mare. The owners, Sue Martin and Adam Cole, believe the van then continued its route with Belle hidden inside, before she likely exited at the next stop.
“We know Belle got into the van and that it made further deliveries,” Sue explained. “What we don’t know is exactly where she got out. She could be anywhere, and all we want is to find her and bring her home.”
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Adam reached out to Ocado to find out the van’s next delivery location to help focus their search, but initially faced refusal citing GDPR concerns. Eventually, Ocado disclosed the next stop was within the BS23 postcode area, though the couple have been unable to obtain exact details to pinpoint their efforts.
Turning to social media, Sue and Adam’s heartfelt appeal has resonated with the local community. Hundreds have joined the search by sharing posts, offering support, and sharing information about local delivery routes.
Adam expressed gratitude for the response: “We couldn’t believe how many people cared. Some said they were at certain stops along the delivery route, helping us map out possible locations where Belle might have left the van.”
They now suspect Belle exited near the Uphill area, reasoning that, as a nervous cat, she would have taken any opportunity to make a swift escape.
Belle has never disappeared before, making this situation all the more distressing. Living on a farm, she usually stays close to home, so when she did not show up after their delivery, Adam checked the CCTV footage and discovered the unexpected stowaway.
“It’s not the driver’s fault,” Adam stresses. “He had no idea Belle was in the van. She was just being curious.”
The couple is urging anyone in Weston-super-Mare who might have seen Belle or who lives along the delivery route to check sheds, garages, gardens, and outbuildings.
“Thankfully, Belle is microchipped, so we’re hopeful someone will find her,” Adam said. “She’s shy, so she might be keeping to herself for now, but eventually, she’ll seek out a friendly human—she knows they’re the ones who feed her.”
While Adam is disappointed by Ocado’s delayed assistance, he remains optimistic: “If they’d helped sooner, it could have made a difference. Now, it’s a bigger challenge. But I believe the kindness of Weston’s residents will bring Belle home. I imagine carrying her through the streets again and sharing that moment with everyone.”
Belle is a cherished member of their family, and they simply want her safe and back at home.
An Ocado spokesperson commented: “We are saddened by Belle’s disappearance and have been supporting the family throughout their search. We hope for a swift reunion and will continue to provide any information that may help.”