THEY STOLE MY DOG’S ASHES
A GEELONG woman has been left distraught over the “evil” theft of her dog’s ashes.
Christine Johnstone said her Bell Post Hill home was targeted overnight Friday in the latest of a string of breakins that have prompted her to sell the house.
Among the items stolen during the burglary was a bag of ashes belonging to her beloved dog, Queenie, as well as a large jewellery box. She said, while the stolen jewellery was valuable, she was devastated by the theft of the ashes, which she said were irreplaceable.
Ms Johnstone, who has a disability and battles mental health issues, said Queenie was her “constant companion” until the black labrador died suddenly several years ago.
She told the Geelong Advertiser she was “broken” and “gutted” after discovering the ashes were gone.
“I went and sat outside and I just howled,” she said. “I sobbed so hard that the neighbours came over to see what was wrong. I just wanted to crawl up in a little ball and die.
“I just don’t know why anyone would want to inflict that type of pain on someone. I haven’t done anything to anyone to deserve such an act of cruelty.” Victoria Police has confirmed it is investigating a reported burglary that occurred some time between 4pm Friday and 8am Saturday.
Ms Johnstone said a spate of break-ins had been committed at the home in re--cent years and she believed the same people were re--sponsible. She has already started the process of moving from the home where she has lived for more than 20 years.
“I am a disabled person with hoarding issues and depression and anxiety,” Ms Johnstone said. “I can’t live here any more. They hey have driven me out of my home and destroyed my sense of security. What if you walked in and saw the person in your house? I mean, are they going to stab you or kill you? It’s just terrifying.”
Ms Johnstone has released an image of a large silver-plated jewellery box, stolen during the burglary, in the hope someone may recognise it.
Anyone with information should contact ct Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.