Have You Seen this Ford Excursion?

Have you seen this SUV?

One San Juan Capistrano family of six is hoping so.

On Saturday, April 28, the 2003 Ford Excursion was stolen right from in front of the Benjamin house in the Sun Ranch tract off Del Obispo Street.

Rob Benjamin told deputies he parked the car at about 8 the night before, and when he went out the next morning, it was gone, said Lt. John Meyer, chief of police for San Juan Capistrano.

Now the family is getting around with one car … and lots of bikes.

“Rob will take [the remaining car, a ‘99 Mercedes wagon] on Mondays and Wednesdays when I bike the kids to and from school. After that, I bike to town to the bank, for food,” said Michele Benjamin. “This weekend my middle school kids have a surf competition in Huntington, so I will bike the younger two to their soccer games.”

The rains make it hard, though, Michele Benjamin said. Neighbors have stepped up and offered a loaner Thursday morning.

“Isn't that crazy nice?”

The Benjamin’s insurance company will only offer $10 a day for a rental, so they thought they’d be better off with the bikes for now, Michele Benjamin said. They can buy a new car in a month, but she didn’t think they would have to.

“Thought they would find it by now. We have looked as well,” Michele Benjamin said. “It's a BIG truck, a diesel as well [so it’s] loud. Hard to hide, I bet.”

Worst of all for the kids is the thought of all their sports equipment that was in the SUV, she added. Jack, 13, is on a surf team and plays hockey, Lily, 12, also surfs and plays soccer and roller hockey, 10-year-old Nina follows in her big sister’s steps and 8-year-old Sam mimics Jack.

“We are sad,” Michele Benjamin said. “And each passing day makes us remember things we left in there. Four kids involved in six sports makes for some serious planning ahead but teammates, coaches and neighbors have really stepped in and all have jumped through hoops to help out.”

Michele Benjamin said the car is plain black with no distinguishing stickers or dents.

Meyer said Rob Benjamin couldn’t rule out leaving the keys in the truck. Michele said the doors unlock with a number code, so sometimes he leaves the keys inside.

The city has had a rash of vehicle burglaries lately, Celina Corley, crime prevention specialist for the city, has said. She has offered .