Grieving family hit by break-in

Gary Dawson, 54, of Daimler Close, Stafford, had just been hit by the sudden death of his wife Lynne when cold hearted thieves broke into their family home on March 31.

Lynne, 48, died on March 4, her husband's birthday, with the cause of her death still to be determined.

On the day of the break-in, Gary left his home at around 1.30pm to visit a funeral directors but returned to find precious jewellery left by his wife, as well as birthday money belonging to their 12 year old son Adam, had been taken.

Gary, who is a social worker, said: "I have to admit to being a bit absent minded given the circumstances so when I came back to find the door open I thought I had left it open.

"I went inside the house and could see straight away we had been broken into, every room had been turned upside down.

"The items that were taken were supposed to be mementos that would be passed down through the next generation of our families.

"These are the things that young children keep and they act as a reminder of their parent, but now they have been taken from them.

"I have had my moments of rage since then but I am trying to stay calm now.

"I think at the moment if I bumped into somebody down the pub and they asked what had been going on in my life, they wouldn't believe me.

"I am trying to look ahead and give off the most positive image I can for Adam, I want him to feel safe again, his sanctuary has been invaded and it is devastating."

A funeral for Lynne, who Gary described as a 'loving, family orientated woman', was held at Stafford Crematorium last week.

She worked part time at the Soup Kitchen in Stafford, as well as bringing up Lawrence, 16 and Ben, 19, children from a previous marriage and Adam, who was her and Gary's child.

Both Lawrence and Ben have left the family home since their mother's death and are now living with their father.

Adam had £135 taken from a plastic piggy bank during the break in, money which had been given to him the week previous for his birthday.

A ruby ring, a gold ring with a diamond cluster, a gold charm bracelet and two wedding bands were taken by the thieves.

Paying tribute to his wife, Gary said: "Me and Lynne had a great relationship and she always put family first.

"She was always putting the children, myself or her parents before herself.

"She had a great sense of humour and used to enjoy making fun of me, so we had a lot of laughs together.

"With everything that has gone on, I guess I am still in shock to some degree, but I am trying to find a new normal, whatever that may be.

"I would be delighted if we could get the jewellery back because it has so much sentimental value."

Also taken during the raid were items belonging to Gary's previous wife, Christine, who died 17 years ago and were intended for their 22 year old daughter Charlotte.

A Staffordshire Police spokesperson said: "Between 1:30pm and 2:20pm on Friday 31 March unknown offenders have entered a property in Daimler Close, Stafford by smashing a rear window.

"Following an untidy search of the property, a grey drawstring bag and jewellery has been stolen.

"The first offender is described as slim, wearing black trousers, a blue top and woolly hat.

"The second offender is described as slim, wearing black trousers, a black top and woolly hat.

"Anyone with any information is asked to call Staffordshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 407 of 31 March."