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Thieves wrecked my Christmas
A HEARTBROKEN great-grandmother cancelled Christmas after cruel thieves stole a collection of almost 30 rings belonging to her dead husband.
The 64-year-old took down all her festive decorations and refused to celebrate the event because of her devastation at the theft.
Each ring had been bought over the years by her husband who died last June, aged 63, less than two weeks after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
They included his white-gold wedding ring, her engagement ring and a ring bought by her children with 'Mum' on it.
This year could be her 44-year-old son's final Christmas as his multiple sclerosis worsens.
Breaking down in tears today, the former South Tyneside Council cleaner, who is battling with a brain tumour, made an emotional appeal to anyone with information to come forward.
She said: "I'm just so desperate to get the rings back. It's not the monetary value, it's because they mean so much.
"My husband was taken so quickly from me, so the rings hold so much sentimental value. I'm just so desperate to get them back.
"I haven't been able to eat or sleep since it happened. I just feel sick."
The great-grandmother discovered the burglary when she got back to her Hogarth Road home, in Whiteleas, from a Christmas shopping trip to find her conservatory doors had been broken into.
Along with the rings, cash she had saved up in jars to give to her grandchildren this Christmas was also taken.
The victim, who didn't want to be named, said: "They didn't destroy anything, they just took what they wanted and left.
"I didn't celebrate Christmas last year with my husband dying, but after being asked by my grandchildren I put the decorations up this time.
"And now with this happening I wanted them down. These thieves have ruined Christmas for me and for my family."
The theft happened between 10am and 5pm on December 18.
Detective Inspector of South Tyneside CID, Chris Sybenga, said: "Any crime is distressing for the victims involved, especially at this time of year, but this has been made even more distressing by the fact these rings hold so much sentimental value to the person they belong to.
"These rings are very distinctive and I would urge strongly anyone who knows anything about those who have carried out this crime or has been offered any of the rings to contact the police."
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 03456 043 043, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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Weather for South Shields
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -2 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 1 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South
