Van thief drove off with widow’s husband’s ashes
Removal truck stolen with 84-year-old’s ‘whole life in it’
AWIDOW has spoken of her agony after her entire possessions - including her husband’s ashes - were taken when a thief drove off in a removal van. Marjorie Hall, 84, of Bacup, (pictured
above) was about to leave her home for good to start a new life in Essex when she was targeted by the crook. The vehicle was fully loaded with all of her possessions. She told the Free Press: “It was very distressing.”
ATHIEF took a widow’s ‘ whole life’ - including her husband’s ashes - when he stole a removal van.
Marjorie Hall, 84, was about to leave her home for good, with the vehicle fully loaded with all of her possessions.
A thief got into the white Renault Master, parked outside her house on Todmorden Road in Bacup, and drove off towards Rochdale.
Ten minutes later, he was caught on a speed camera on Market Street in Whitworth.
Marjorie, who had lived at the house since 1990, was moving to Essex to be near her son-in-law and grandson.
She told the Free Press: “It was very distressing. The van contained things that
were very precious to me, including the ashes of my late husband, John, who died in 2006, and my jewellery, as well as money.”
The van also included her furniture, clothing, and items of huge sentimental value.
Her son-in-law Steve Coffin said: “Material things can be replaced, but the memories can’t - all the family pictures and the trinkets and ornaments.
“After the van was stolen, I drove north to pick her up, as she had to view the flat she was moving to.
“She has moved into sheltered accommodation in Rochford near Southend. The offers of help we have had from many people have been heartwarming.
“People’s generosity has been unbelievable - offers of cutlery, curtains, a toaster, cooker and a three piece suite. Marjorie’s husband passed away, as did her daughter, Carol, my wife, three-and-a-half years ago. She is moving down here to be near me and my two sons, one of whom lives with me.
“Her whole life was in that van.”
The van was stolen at about 1.30pm on July 6. The registration number is HK15 XAU.
The vehicle’s owner, Nick Myles said: “We had spent about five and a half hours loading the van. It was full with everything she owned. We were just about to leave, and it was my mistake, I left the key in the ignition.
“I feel awful for this lady. I have been out night and day since looking for the van. My worry is that it has been chopped up for parts.
“I think the person who took it must be local. As well as all of her belongings he handbag was in the van too including her medication, which meant she had to go 24 hours without it. I believe I saw who took it. A man in his 50s with grey hair. I just thought at the time he was a local, who lived in one of the houses in the same row as the lady’s. I would know him if I saw him again - I hope the police find him before I do.”
Lancashire Police confirmed the van had been stolen and an investigation was ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting crime reference number 04/124 370/19.