Caught on camera: Burglars target Wolverhampton grandmother, 76, who has worked for community for 50 years
This is the moment a 76-year-old Wolverhampton grandmother who has worked for 50 years to improve her neighbourhood was burgled by cold-hearted thieves.
Victim Essie Lewis, from Church Road, Oxley, received an MBE in 2010 for voluntary service to older African and Caribbean people in Wolverhampton. She has been volunteering for most of her adult life and in 2000 established the Moreland Trust based on Waterloo Terrace in Whitmore Reans.
Callous thieves targeted her home last month, stealing two diamond rings, electrical items and her car.
The stolen Volvo C30 was found just a few miles away from her home and is currently being forensically examined by specialist officers.
Detective Constable Stuart McNeil, from Wolverhampton's Investigation Team, said: "This lady continues to work tirelessly for her community and this burglary has come as a huge blow to her.
"Two diamond rings that hold great sentimental value were also stolen along with an iPad and laptop.
"We are sure that someone locally must know who these thieves are and are now appealing for information.
"Mrs Lewis has always put her community first and now this is the time for people to repay her kindness by calling with information that could help catch these culprits."
Mrs Lewis'home was burgled on Monday, February 2.
Anyone with information is urged to call West Midlands Police on 101. Alternatively people can leave information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers the independent charity on 0800 555 111.
