Anguish as treasured baby memento stolen
AMOTHER has been left devastated after a purse containing a precious memento of her stillborn baby was stolen.
Suzanne Burne said the purse was taken after the window of her car was smashed in broad daylight.
The incident took place in Hampton Road, Southport, between 1pm and 2pm on Tuesday, April 10.
The 50-year-old nurse was working at Hampton Road Clinic at the time, and was only alerted to it after a colleague pointed out the damage to her car.
Suzanne was upset when she discovered the broken window but devastation set in when she realised her purse had been taken – knowing what was inside.
She explained: “I saw my bag was open on my seat and I realised that my purse had been taken.
“I felt sick. I had a stillborn baby 23 years ago and they gave me a pair of silver angel wings in the hospital, and I have taken them in my purse everywhere with me since.
“I also lost my mum at the age of 15 and it had irreplaceable pictures of her in there – as well as pictures of my own kids.
“I’m not bothered about the cards and things, but this has really hurt me.”
The purse is from Cath Kidston and is described as being a navy blue rectangular shape with white polka dots.
Not only has the mum-oftwo been left heartbroken by the fact she has lost treasured items, she has also had to cancel bank cards and have her car repaired.
Suzanne has been a nurse for three decades – including working in Hampton Road for eight years – and said she had never experienced anything like this before.
And she is not the only person affected by the incident.
She added: “Other staff members at the clinic are on edge and no longer trust the car park is safe. I am hesitant to park there and I have been left devastated.”
It was not the only incident in Hampton Road. A resident had a similar experience just the night before.
Sarah McCluskey was shocked to find that the passenger window on her car, a Seat Ibiza, had been smashed at around 9pm on April 9.
A bag was stolen from the vehicle but Sarah said it only contained nail varnish and nothing of value.
It was found discarded in Portland Street the following day.
Sarah said: “The passenger side front window was smashed and a bag was stolen.
“It was found down Portland Street on Tuesday morning. Nothing was stolen from the bag as there was no money or anything of value in there.”
She added: “It just angers me that there are some people who think they can do to this to other people’s cars.
“My son’s car seat was in the front and it was full of shattered glass, along with his toys, as we are moving house.
“I just what this person to be caught before they take a chance on someone else’s car or their property.”
Police are viewing CCTV footage related to Sarah’s incident.
Anyone who has any information, or has found the missing purse, is asked to contact @MerPolCC or call 101.