Cops save Christmas for city family

KIND hearted coppers came to the rescue of three Coventry kids who had their Christmas presents stolen.

Callous thieves broke in to an empty Radford home belonging to the mother of a 35-year-old father of three who died earlier this year.

They stole children’s presents hidden at the house to remain a surprise until Christmas day. The family, from Holbrooks, have three young children – including eight-year-old twin boys.

City officers were so moved by the burglary they raised £200 from a tuck shop at Coventry Central Police Station - a figure matched by city toy shop The Entertainer - to help replace some of the stolen presents.

Toys taken in the burglary included Skylander figures, an electronic game, Halo toys, army figurines, an army tank and helicopter and Spiderman toys.

Sergeant Richard Markham, whose officers responded to the call, said: “Stealing children’s Christmas presents is such a heartless and callous thing for anyone to do.

"We wanted to try and put a smile back on their faces for Christmas.

“We’re determined to track down whoever did this and would urge anyone with information that could help to come forward."

The burglary took place some time between 3pm on Sunday December 16 and 9am on Tuesday December 18.

Thieves gained entry to the house by forcing open the back door with garden tools. They carried out a search of the house and stole the Christmas presents and a large sum of cash.

Jewellery boxes in the house were also searched but thankfully the sentimental items belonging to the victim’s late mother had all been safely stored away.

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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