Reindeer gift stolen from front garden

A FAMILY in Bulwell have been left devastated after a Christmas decoration of great sentimental value was stolen from their front garden.

Rachel Acikgoz and her daughter Safir, 8, had spent all day decorating the front of their house in Cartwell Street on Saturday.

They had put a reindeer in their garden, as they do every year, which was a present from Rachel’s father Bill Ringham, who died in January last year.

Bill had given the reindeer as a gift to his grand-daughter Safir for her very first Christmas, so the family were upset to discover it had been stolen overnight.

The lighting wire had been cut by someone who took the deer from the front garden.

Rachel told the Post: “It’s sad and really frustrating. It’s the fact that someone has gone out, with cutters, with the intention to do it – it’s not like it was someone who was drunk or who did it in the spur of the moment. We have had it for so many years and it means a lot to us as a family. It’s sad that people don’t understand that items may be worth more than face value for other reasons personal to the owners.”

This is Rachel’s second year in Bulwell, where she grew up, having previously lived in Turkey with her husband Hamdi.

Matthew Ringham, Rachel’s brother, said: “He [Bill] was a massive Christmas enthusiast, and sadly did not get the chance to celebrate it with us. It was around this time where he became ill, and passed away the following January.

“The reindeer was one of his favourites, and my sister has begun to put it up as a tribute to him. It has no value, as it must be ten years old.”

The family are appealing for the return of the reindeer and are asking for anyone who may see it to get in touch. If you think you have seen it, email peter. hennessy@reachplc.com and we will get in touch with the family.