The gang completely dismantled the dark grey C-Class, taking the front bumper, the driver and passenger doors, both front seats and all four wheels – leaving the car standing on bricks.

They even pinched a packet of sweets that was stashed in the central console.

Shocking photos show what was left of the car outside owner Paul Hampton’s home in West Bromwich, West Midlands, early on Thursday morning.

He said: ‘When I stepped outside the front door, I just couldn’t believe what I was seeing. They hadn’t damaged any panels, it’s just been stripped bare.

‘These are professionals and appear to work in teams of five or six to cut the time down.

‘Each person has their own job. They didn’t just cut the wires in the doors, they unclipped the connectors to avoid damaging it. They’ve left the remaining parts in perfect condition.

‘They didn’t leave any fingerprints because they’d worn latex gloves and it probably didn’t take them long to get everything off as they’re not your average car thieves.

‘We’ve spoken to some mechanic friends and they believe they wanted the bumper and lights because there’s a sensor inside them which makes them worth £1,000.

‘They must have been disturbed before that happened though because they only managed to get the registration plates off. More could have been taken.

‘I normally have a cup of tea with my neighbour before going to work but this morning she’d woken up and rushed over.

‘She’d seen the car boot arms sticking in the air and thought she was seeing things so when she came outside she said she had a heart attack.

‘I went to bed like normal at 10pm but obviously by 4.30am this had been done. It’s because they’re so efficient.’

Paul’s stepdaughter, Emily Heeley, 21, has now urged motorists to park their cars in a secure location in a bid to deter criminals from stripping more vehicles.

She said: ‘No-one heard anything. No-one saw or heard this being done. We have asked our entire street and no-one knows what happened.

‘When our neighbour looked at the window at around 4.50am she thought she was seeing things. But as soon as she noticed she banged on my mum’s door to sound the alarm.

‘Paul is gutted. He works hard for his car. Most of the time he does 13-hour days, seven days a week.

‘We have lived in this street for over 20 years and never had a problem.’

Emily said forensic officers attended to look for fingerprints from the motor, but not much could be detected.

A £1,000 cash reward has been offered to anyone with information that helps lead to a successful prosecution.

Emily added: ‘To say we are devastated is an understatement and to have this happen right outside your home is dreadful.

‘This year has been hard enough but with it being two weeks to Christmas – it just makes it even worse.

‘I wouldn’t wish what has happened to Paul on anyone.’

West Midlands Police has been contacted for comment.