Home robbed while mum gives birth
Papamoa mother left distraught as home raided after emergency flight to hospital
Thieves ransacked a young Papamoa mum’s home after she went into labour nine weeks early and had to be flown to Waikato Hospital. Alice Podziewska, 25, was flown to hospital in an emergency maternity transfer from Tauranga when she went into premature labour on September 30.
Podziewska and her partner welcomed their baby girl Mila on October 6 — nine weeks before her due date.
But the excitement of bringing their baby girl home was marred after her partner, who did not want to be named, returned home on October 10 to find thieves had broken into their home.
The offenders broke the back door and stole Podziewska’s $1500 Hypr Hawaii blue and teak stand up paddleboard, two televisions, an Xbox and speaker, hunting knives, a gold Rosefield watch, jewellery and her partner’s passport.
They had stored the paddleboard in the back shed but forgot to lock it after she went into early labour.
The stolen jewellery included a silver whale tail necklace Podziewska’s brother and sisterin-law bought her and a gold ring her partner had given her. They also took Podziewska’s charms, which she had collected while travelling.
The couple were in the process of switching insurance companies so were not covered.
She said the stolen items had sentimental value, but it was the invasion of privacy that concerned her most. “It is an unnerving feeling. We have just nested and made the nursery; we are gutted.” Speaking from Waikato Hospital, Podziewska said she was distraught after learning of the break-in. She had even contemplated moving out. “You just keep thinking about people being in your home, and it is very uncomfortable. What if we had been bringing baby home? “It crossed my mind to give our notice in but it is difficult with a new baby.” The new mum hoped people would keep an eye out for her paddleboard which she said was a one-off. Podziewska and her newborn would stay at Waikato Hospital for a few more weeks until Mila was old enough to be transferred to Tauranga Hospital. “When bubs and I get back to Tauranga it will be a shock to see how I feel when I first get back into the house.” Friends will house-sit until they return home. A police media spokeswoman said police were speaking with the homeowners and inquiries were ongoing. Police reminded people to record serial numbers of items and store them at www.snap.org.nz so stolen items could be identified if recovered. “We also stress the importance of reporting any burglaries, or suspicious behaviour, to us immediately.” Anyone who has been the victim of theft, or who has witnessed any suspicious behaviour, is encouraged to contact police or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.