Raiders get his £1,500 funeral pot
up to five times a day in Milton Keynes, Bucks. After waking up and realising he had been robbed, the partiallysighted pensioner called the police, then Jeanette.
Chloe-ann went on: “My mum hasn’t slept well since, being worried about him. All my mum and dad want to do is help my grandad.
“Police think there was more than one person because the window – which grandad usually leaves slightly open to help with his breathing – was open completely and the back door was open.
“When he went to sleep, everything was locked – so someone must have climbed in through the window and opened the back door for the other one or two.
“They’ve then sneaked past my grandad, taken the money and left through the front door. On the way out, they snatched the CCTV camera and threw it on the ground outside. Police found it but the footage obviously isn’t there.”
Struggling
John, who is also hard of hearing, had been keeping the money in his wallet at home because he struggles to use the bank.
Chloe-ann, who works as a carer, said: “He helps his neighbours a lot, so he likes to have cash at hand.
“He gave a family nearby money when they were struggling to provide for their son. This is just how my granddad likes to be. He has the kindest soul and will go out of his way for everyone.” She added of John’s ordeal: “He is usually so strong but he is so upset now.
“He actually doesn’t want to live there any more. He’s been there for at least 15 years and it’s been his haven – but he doesn’t feel safe now.
“It is not a nice time at the moment. We as a family are not sleeping properly.”
Thames Valley Police confirmed that officers had attended John’s address on March 23.
They said the burglary was believed to have taken place some time between midnight and 3.30am.
A force spokesman added: “Investigations are ongoing.”
John’s family have since started a crowdfunding appeal in a bid to replace his stolen cash. Chloeann said: “We are very grateful to those who
have helped out so far. We’d love to be able to show grandad that people do care. We appreciate all of your support and we would like to say a big thank-you to everyone who has shared our posts and donated.”
feedback@people.co.uk Anyone with information should call 101 and ask for Thames Valley Police. The crime reference number is 43220125620
Voice of the People: Page 14