Burglary victim left in tears after daylight raid

A burglary victim said she sobbed after realising that sentimental items from her sister – who died just four months ago – had been taken in a daylight raid.

Two people wearing dark clothing broke into the property on Collinson Lane, Fernwood, at 3.46pm on Sunday afternoon.

The family who live there were out at the time visiting friends, although two cars were parked in the driveway.

The burglars stole two laptops, a safe and items of jewellery including rings and three charms, although one of the laptops was later recovered.

“My sister Jeanette, who lived in Berlin, Germany, had lung cancer,” said Mrs Dani Harris, 50, who lives at the property with her husband, 53-year-old John, and their son David.

“She went in for tests, then went into a coma and never woke up.

“When I found out that things she had given me had been stolen I sobbed, to be honest. When someone dies you cling on to the personal memories that you have got.

“You cannot just re-buy those things – it’s about sentimental value.”

A love heart bought by John’s dad, who died three years ago, was also taken.

'Crippled me personally'

The burglars broke down part of the fence at the back of the property before breaking into the house.

They stole laptops from the office, and the safe and jewellery from the main bedroom. It does not appear that they entered any other room.

Mr Harris, who runs Newark computing firm JHCS that specialises in wireless internet and digital aerial and satellite installations, said it would take time to overcome the loss of the laptop.

“They have crippled me personally because they have stolen my laptop,” he said.

“The majority of the business isn’t affected as I focus on only one area but for even the laptop that I have, it will take time to be repaired and to be set up.

“I am also going to be off work for a few days while I sort this out.”

The couple have lived at the property for the last 16 years and the house has never before been broken into.

It is believed the offenders arrived and left in a white van.

Anyone with information should call 101.