Devastated daughter's plea to return rings

A grieving daughter has called on burglars who stole treasured family heirlooms just weeks after her father's death to '˜do the right thing' and ensure they are returned.
By The Newsroom
Published 18th Oct 2016, 10:25 BST
Updated 25th Oct 2016, 20:47 BST
Theresa Coles had her home burgled and thieves took items belonging to her late father, Stephen Coles, which hold sentimental value.Theresa Coles had her home burgled and thieves took items belonging to her late father, Stephen Coles, which hold sentimental value.
Theresa Coles had her home burgled and thieves took items belonging to her late father, Stephen Coles, which hold sentimental value.

Raiders smashed their way into Theresa Coles’ home in Lytham Road, South Shore, grabbing two treasured rings as well as cash and watches.

Theresa and her family were left devastated when her dad, Stephen, 59, died following a period of illness just three weeks before the raid.

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The property landlordand dad of four, from Burlington Road, South Shore passed away on September 10. His funeral was held at Highfield Methodist Church on September 30, just a week before the raid.

And while still searching for answers and dealing with her loss she has now been dealt a further blow.

She said: “I can’t believe this has happened.

“My dad only died three weeks before.

“They’ve taken two rings – one a gold and diamond one, which was my grandad’s and was given to me by my dad, and the other a sovereign ring.

“He gave them to me a while ago but it’s like they are my link to him now.”

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Theresa, 33, a human 
resources and security manager at Blackpool Airport, believes those behind the raid may not understand the sentimental value of what they have taken.

She said: “They have smashed their way through the back door.

“The lead between the panes has just given way. They’ve taken other things. But it’s the rings that matter.

“People count the financial cost of being burgled.

“But this is a personal loss.

“It will be devastating if we don’t get these rings back.”

An online appeal to find the rings has already been shared hundreds of times.

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And Theresa, who lives with her partner at the house, is hopeful her plea will not fall on deaf ears.

“It’s been a terrible few weeks,” she said.

“My dad was like my best friend, we did everything together.

“I just want to get these rings back.

“I just hope someone somewhere recognises them and knows what they mean to me.”

Lancashire Police confirmed officers are investigating the burglary at Theresa’s home.

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A spokesman said: “We were called at around 4.50pm on October 6 to reports of a burglary at a home in Lytham Road. The break-in happened at some time between 8.30am and 4.45pm that day.

“The offenders have gained access through a rear patio door and taken cash along with jewellery of sentimental value.”

Anyone with information should call Lancashire Police on 101 quoting log 1006 of October 6. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.