Shock for family after raider carves hole in door
ABRISTOL family has been left ‘petrified’ after discovering their home had been burgled of more than £7,000 worth of possessions while they were out on a school run.
Aaron Barnes, who lives with his family on Northcote Road in Downend, said while his partner was out on a school run a silver van pulled up outside their home.
The father-of-one said neighbours heard power tools but assumed that it was work being carried out on a nearby home.
But when his partner returned home 20 minutes later, she was shocked to find a large hole had been carved out of their front door.
He said: “They took stuff that I am never going to get back.
“My son’s first tooth, his hospital wrist band from when he was born and some personalised jewellery I had made from his footprint. It’s just disgusting what they’ve done.”
Having lived in the area for four years the family said they had always felt safe – but since the ordeal Mr Barnes’s partner is afraid to leave the home.
“She is petrified,” he added. “She doesn’t want to do a school run and she wants family members around her all the time.”
The 37-year-old said he believed the culprits knew the family as only one room was ransacked and around £7,000 worth of belongings were stolen including jewellery, cash and the sentimental items kept inside a box.
“They knew where they were going and I’m worried about my family,” he added.
Mr Barnes took to social media where he shared the shocking news on his Facebook page asking for help and even offering cash as a reward.
“I am willing to pay £500 to anyone who has the right information that can help myself and the police,” he added.
A spokesperson from Avon and Somerset Police said: “We were called to a property ... by a woman who had arrived home to find her house had been broken into.
“Officers secured and searched the property.
“Upon further investigation, it was discovered the offender had taken various pieces of jewellery and a large quantity of cash.
“If you saw anything out of the ordinary, or if you have any CCTV or doorbell footage which may assist the investigation, please call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5222 110 000.”
They took stuff I am never going to get back. My son’s first tooth, his hospital wrist band from when he was born and some personalised jewellery ... It’s just disgusting