Grandmother’s disgust after presents stolen

Thieves strike on Christmas day and make off with hundreds of pounds worth of gifts intended for members of her family, including grandson, aged six

Thieves plundered hundreds of pounds worth of presents left under the tree for a six-year-old boy in the early hours of Christmas Day.

Grandmother Shona Tulleth woke on Christmas morning to find gifts for her family had been taken.

Until she realised the dreadful truth, Shona, 62, thought partner Tony Grimshaw, 69, had played a prank on her by moving the parcels and cards.

She said: “At first I thought he was being funny, then it dawned on me that someone had thought they were more deserving of all these gifts than my grandson.”

Shona estimated up to £850 worth of gifts and money for her grandson, stepgrandson and other friends and family were taken. A gold-coloured HP laptop was also stolen.

Police are investigating the theft in the Whinnyknowe area of Glenrothes and Shona and Tony have shared details of the missing items on social media in case they are advertised for sale.

However, true Christmas spirit prevailed when they were inundated with offers of money and gifts from friends and strangers alike.

Shona, a part-time shop worker, said she and Tony, who is retired, had been able to replace most of the items themselves on Boxing Day and respectfully declined offers.

She said: “Everyone’s generosity has been overwhelming. People have said ‘I don’t have much but I can send you £20’ or that they have gift sets, toys.

“It puts your faith back in humanity to know there are so many nice people.”

By contrast, Shona said she felt “physically sick” after the theft.

She said: “It’s just incomprehensible. I was always brought up to work for what you want. To go out and take something, especially at Christmas when it’s obvious it’s kids’ presents, is deplorable.

“How do you explain to a six-year-old that there are no presents at gran’s to be opened.”

A police spokesperson said: “Police in Glenrothes are investigating after a home in Braehead Way was entered overnight between Monday December 24 and Tuesday December 25.

“A number of items intended as Christmas presents were stolen and inquiries are ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to come forward.”

Among the items taken were Lego sets, Nerf guns, a Nintendo game and perfume.