Raiders steal ashes from Kidderminster home
A pensioner has been left devastated after a jar containing his daughter's ashes was stolen when thieves broke into his home.
The offenders raided the address in Chester Road North, Kidderminster, after breaking in through a set of French windows at the back of the home.
Former arts and craft teacher Bill Arris had a number of items stolen among which was a tall glass sweet jar-type container in a red velvet bag which contained the ashes of the elderly victim's daughter, Kate, who died four years ago after a long illness.
The 73-year-old father of four, who suffers from prostate cancer, said: "They didn't know what was in the jar when they took it. What I want to know, is that if they found her ashes, whether they just chucked them away.
"I would find it really offensive if they did that as I'm sure everyone else would. The whole thing has been really upsetting for me, its horrible to think they've been around my house.
"It seems to have been just one thing after another over the last couple of years, this is the last thing I needed."
Thieves also took a unique 19th century bronze sculpture of two deer by French sculptor Jules Moigniez from the house in Chester Road North.
"I just hope they don't sell it for scrap it's a beautiful item and worth a lot more as it is, although it wouldn't surprise me. If they are willing to melt down plaques off war memorials I'm sure they won't hesitate to destroy it," added Mr Arris who has lived in the same home since 1975.
A Boer War silver medal with an orange and red ribbon and three silver bars was also taken along with a silver Victorian watch and chain.
The thieves also made off with two silver rings containing yellow tiger eye stones from Mexico and two silver rings with onyx stones.
Two Makita drills marked with his initials and green paint and seven bottles of spirits, worth nearly £100, also formed part of the haul.
He added: "More than anything I hope they just bring back Kate's ashes they are more irreplaceable than anything else they could have stolen."
West Mercia Police have launched an investigation and are asking for witnesses to come forward. Officers said the burglary was believed to have taken place between 9.30am and 4.50pm on Thursday, September 5.
Witnesses or people with information on where the stolen items are asked to call the Wyre Forest burglary team on the non-emergency number 101.
Alternatively they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
