In a week which saw new national crime figures, the St Helens Star looks beyond the raw statistics to reveal the true misery of coming home to find you've been burgled

ONE FAMILY returned after a delightful day out to find that thieves had ransacked their home, stolen jewellery of great sentimental value, essential prescription drugs and in the process brought misery, disbelief and revulsion.

Burglars had broken into their home in the Grange Park area, between 6.30pm and 7.45pm on Sunday, January 7.

They stole jewellery, CDs, a camera, portable CD player and personal radio cassette player, as well as prescription drugs for the treatment of asthma.

One of the family, a 47-year-old mother-of-two, told the Star: "Our family spent a really enjoyable day out, but it was all ruined as, on our return, we found that our house was upside down.

"Nearly every room had something taken from it. Drawers and cupboards had been left open. They even tipped rubbish in the dining room, out of a carrier bag -- I presume this was to carry some of the articles that they had taken.

"I could not believe how wicked they had been when I found that they also had taken all my husband's medication for his asthma, without which he could become really ill.

"It's not just the monetary value of many of these items but also the sentimental value. We had treasured some of these items as they were bought by people who are not here any more. What is the world coming to when you don't even feel safe in your own home?

"Even though my family and myself are shocked and very upset at what has happened, it makes me feel so angry to think that people work hard for years for things, just for other people to invade your privacy and take them away from you in minutes."

Some of the jewellery stolen from the house included a gold sovereign and chain , a silver oval locket with two birds on the front and a verse on the back which was bought as a silver wedding anniversary present; a Rotary ladies watch, which had belonged to a great aunt, and an Italian silver and black pendant with a cameo on the front.

ANYONE who may be able to help the police with their inquiries can contact DC Michelle Cliffe at St Helens CID on 0151 777 6875, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.