Rings worth thousands allegedly stolen from widow in hospital

RINGS worth thousands of pounds were allegedly stolen while a widow was being treated in hospital.

The family of 83-year-old Maureen Davies say that while she was a patient at the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport a number of high-value rings and a large quantity of cash were taken.

This included Mrs Davies’ ring from her marriage to her late husband Edward Charles Davies and more than £500.

Granddaughter Jessica Davies, 22, from Newport, said: “She’s been a widow for more than 35 years – she’s absolutely distraught.

“She is very, very distressed. She’s heartbroken.

“All she wants is to have her wedding rings back. That’s her connection with her husband. The money can be replaced but the rings can’t.”

Jessica said: “My nan went into hospital on March 29 with problems with her back.

“They [the rings] were kept in a little bag, and she looked through it on a regular basis. It was locked away in the same place they keep the controlled medication.”

Maureen is offering a £500 reward for the safe return of the jewellery.

A Gwent Police spokeswoman said the jewellery includes a platinum diamond solitaire ring and a gold diamond and sapphire ring, worth more than £1,000 each.

The spokeswoman said: “The theft was thought to have taken place between Thursday, March 30 and Sunday, April 2.”

Margaret’s husband’s gold wedding ring and a silver ring are also missing.

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting log number 428 2/4/17.