A blind couple were left feeling ‘totally violated’ after callous burglars ransacked their home stealing thousands of pounds worth of jewellery.
Frank and Nicola Gardner came home after enjoying a night out to find thieves had broken in and stolen nearly £5,000 in cash and jewellery.
The couple, who both rely on their guide dogs to get around, now fear the burglars could have staked out their home and seen them as ‘easy targets’ because they are both visually impaired.
The couple had been out enjoying a debate on religion and atheism at a literary festival when the burglary happened sometime between 6.20pm and 10pm on Tuesday, October 10.
When they returned to their home in Sheffield, South Yorks., they felt the locks had been knocked out of the front door and realised it had been broken int .
Once inside the couple discovered about £3,500 worth of gold chains, necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets had been taken from Mrs Gardner’s jewellery box in their bedroom.
They had also pinched £1,150 in cash.
Mr Gardner, aged 54, said: “We feel totally violated. The people who did this are lowlifes.
“It has made us wonder if they have been outside our house beforehand and targeted us.
“Obviously they would have probably seen the guide dogs.
“It’s disgraceful.”
The break-in has made worse a difficult year for the couple, during which Mr Gardner has overcome thyroid and bowel cancer.
Mrs Gardner, 51, said: “They took the lot. The loss of sentimental value is worse than anything else. It’s of no use to them, they will just sell it on.
“They took my engagement ring and the engagement ring my dad gave to my mum. It makes you feel awful.”
They have reported the crime to police and are now looking at improving security at their home amid fears they could be targeted again.
Mr Gardner, a call centre worker, said: “We will definitely get some alarms fitted. It has been a difficult time for us.
“If anyone witnessed the burglary please contact police.”
