Parents' plea to burglar (From Witney Gazette)

Parents' plea to burglar

2:46pm Thursday 17th January 2008 in Witney By David Horne

A HEARTLESS burglar has left a 13-year-old autistic girl distraught after stealing her PlayStation, digital camera, and 'piggy bank' money.

The parents of teenager Georgina Hoverd made an impassioned plea for the culprit to return them, because they don't have the money to replace them.

"She has not got a lot in life, and these were what she looked forward to. Now they have been snatched away, and she has been crying a lot. She is distraught," said dad, Brian Hoverd.

The family's home at Charterville Close, Minster Lovell, was broken into in the early hours of Monday.

Though Mr Hoverd was awoken by the family dogs barking, he went to check and, finding nothing, went back to sleep.

In the morning, he and his wife, Ruth, found an intruder had ransacked parts of the house. Her jewellery and wedding ring had been taken, as well as £50 in cash from her handbag.

Most distressing was the theft of their daughter's possessions, including a special box, where she kept her own savings - about £25 - which she dipped into to buy odd treats.

Georgina is a pupil at Springfield School, in Madley Park, Witney, which specialises in teaching children aged three to 19 with learning difficulties.

Her parents are both unable to work because of their own disabilities - he has a fractured femur, and she a back condition. They do not have the money at present to replace the Playstation 3 (about £300) or Sony camera (about £150), which were not insured.

Mr Hoverd added: "It is not so much what we have lost, but what's been taken from Georgina. I am hoping somebody is ready to feel guilty about how they have affected our girl."

The burglar probably got into the house at about 2am to 2.30am. Witney police have sent a forensics team to the family's home.

Det Sgt Craig Kirby said: "This particular crime is a stark example of how burglary can affect its victims.

"The thoughtlessness and hearthlessness of thieves means they care little for how important items are to their owners or to them - they are just commodities to sell on or discard."

They are appealing for information to track down the offender, and particularly want to hear if anyone saw anything suspicious in the Charterville Close area on Sunday night to Monday morning.

Police can be contacted on 08458 505505, or, in confidence, Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.