Widower devastated by theft of late wife's beloved jewellery

A CHRISTCHURCH man has been left distraught after burglars stole a haul of sentimental jewellery that belonged to his late wife who died of cancer.

Entry was forced via the side of the property in Old Barn Road at Iford, sometime between 9am and 5.30pm last Monday while 65-year-old Christopher Yates and his son Alex were out.

Although the intruders escaped with a large number of items, Alex told the A&T the jewellery was the most important due to its link to the memory of his mother and Christopher’s wife, Carol, who passed away nine years ago.

“The stress my father has had, I can’t even begin to imagine what’s going through his head at the moment,” Alex said.

“All his wife’s jewellery she left behind before she passed was taken, all his possessions were taken and mine too.

“He works nearly six or seven days a week sometimes, so he’s already stressed, let alone with his house being robbed.”

Sharing details of the break-in on Facebook page Christchurch Rumour Control last Monday evening, Alex urged people to get in touch if they can help track down the stolen jewellery.

“Today, my dad was burgled,” he wrote. “He lost his wife to cancer nine years ago. All he had left is her jewellery, which has incredible sentimental value.

“I am appealing to any trace of human decency of anyone who may know anything.”

Among the other items taken during the burglary was a Nintendo Switch and a PlayStation 4, along with associated games, and watches.

Dorset Police investigating the break-in are urging people to come forward if they may have witnessed any suspicious activity. A spokesperson told the A&T on Wednesday that no arrests had yet been made.

Anyone with information should contact the county’s officers on 101, quoting crime reference number 55190025930, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.