A GRIEVING family have been left reeling after burglars struck just days after an elderly woman’s death.
Marina Robinson, of Manor View, Shafton, died on November 20, her funeral was held last Wednesday and the 82-year-old’s home was raided by thieves at some point between Friday and Sunday last week.
Although the family had started to remove some items from the council property, a 50-inch television was taken as well as sentimental jewellery including a necklace, ring and earrings.
Daughter Marie Colbourne said: “We locked the house up on the Friday and didn’t go back until Sunday. The thieves had cut a hole through the side door and gained entry, but they also tried having a go at the window to the rear of the property.
“We’re all sick to the stomach about the incident - it’s the lowest of the low and we still can’t believe what’s happened. It’s bad enough that I’ve lost my mum and we’re now having to contend with this.
“We are grieving. It’s heartbreaking and although we don’t think the jewellery was worth a lot of money, the items were extremely sentimental as they are something she’s had for years.
“A neighbour has CCTV and police are checking it. I just hope someone knows something and they are caught.”
Thieves even took bottles of sherry which had been left out by the family to have a drink in memory of Marina when they returned to the home.
Daughter-in-law Julie White added: “We bought the television recently as Marina’s eyesight wasn’t the best, so we got her a 50-inch one so she could see better. There must have been two people responsible as I think it would be too big for one person to take.
“We are kind people, if someone desperate would have knocked on the door and wanted the TV, we’d have given them it, but to take it and rummage through Marina’s leftover possessions is evil.
“We want people to keep an eye out. Shafton is a small community and a lot of people know each other.
“The TV was worth £300 but it’s not about the money. If someone is offered the chance to buy it, hopefully they will see this and ring the police.
“I really hope the police catch who is responsible and they are named and shamed for causing us extra grief at an already upsetting time. They are the scum of the earth and they have done a horrible thing.”
* A police spokesman appealed for information into the burglary. People are asked to contact 101, quoting reference B/159399/207.
