Couple’s anger as thieves ransack Hockley home – Echo

CALLOUS thieves ransacked a couples home before taking off with an unusual array of Christmas gifts.

Christmas presents, cards, and mince pies were among the items taken from the couples home, in Greensward Lane, Hockley, along with their mobile phones, watches and Euros.

The couple, who wished to remain anonymous, had returned home from dinner, to find thieves had ransacked their home after forcing a window open.

The 61-year-old woman said: We were out between 3pm and 7pm, and came home to find all the lights were on.

Theyd tried the patio door, the back door, smashed the window and tried to pop the frame to get in, and had gone through the cabinet, spare bedrooms, the office and our bedroom. They were clearly not giving up till the got in and turned the place upside down.

Theyd pulled the curtains so nobody could see what they were doing, and looked through all our teapots to find money, which is all they seemed to care about finding.

Although the fact they took the jumper, pyjamas and mince pies which wed bought for a 94-year-old family friend was a surprise, along with the 500 we had left from holiday. They even took a card which we were due to give to our neighbour for Christmas.

What were most worried about is the van key being stolen - were now having to hide the van and block it in with a car in case they come back. Its costing us 1,050 just to get the van locks changed, fixing the patio doors will cost a couple of grand, weve got to replace the frames and window, the phones were worth about 200 each, so its gonna cost thousands to fix.

The family believe at least two people were involved in the incident.

The victim added: When forensics came round they found two different glove marks, so were sure at least two people broke in. It was quite a shock to us both; my husband was in a bit of a panic at the time.

I dont really want to leave the house now if I can help it and were getting an alarm installed. I want people to be aware this is going on and ask that if anyone can help please come forward.

A spokesperson from Essex Police, said: We were called at around 8.45pm on Sunday 15 December about a burglary in Greensward Lane, Hockley.

A woman reported that suspects forced entry to a back window before taking watches, phones and other items from inside.

The investigation has been allocated to an investigative officer and we have been reviewing CCTV.

Anyone with information is asked to call Southend CID on 101 quoting crime reference 42/197893/19 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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Couple's anger as thieves ransack Hockley home - Echo