A grieving pensioner has been left devastated after burglars raided her home as she was laying her beloved husband to rest.
And the PSNI have issued an appeal for help from the public tonight in a bid to catch those who carried out such a heinous crime.
Items of great sentimental value were taken during the burglary at the pensioner’s home at Monaghan Street in Milford.
The funeral of her late husband had been taking place on Monday afternoon.
And when the Milford woman returned to the home they had shared together it was a shocking site to take in.
Burglars had helped themselves to a huge haul of goods – mostly jewellery – as she was saying her last goodbyes.
Now police want the public to be on the lookout for the items and also want to hear from anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the area at the time.
As large sum of cash was stolen, as well as a credit card.
But more personal and irreplaceable pieces of jewellery were also taken.
These included a cameo brooch, pearls, a number of gold rings and a bracelet, together with a men’s ‘Limit’ watch.
Detective Constable Murphy wants the public to come forward with any information they may have.
He said: “Police are appealing for anyone who was in the area on August 17 and noticed any suspicious activity to contact detectives in Lurgan on the non-emergency number 101. Or if someone would like pass information without giving their details they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
A local group in the village has contacted Armagh I tonight and also urged anyone with information to come forward to police.
They are also making a plea to those responsible to ‘do the right thing’ and return it directly – no questions asked.
A spokesperson for the group and a friend of the family told Armagh I the ring had belonged to the pensioner’s husband and she had kept it after laying him to rest on Monday.
He said: “A small sum of money and some jewellery was stolen from the house in the village and we are asking just that a small gold ring – with a red stone in it – is returned.
“It belonged to her late husband who had just a few days before passed away.
“It is of little value on the market but of great sentimental value to the lady.
“If anyone has found the ring or even if the robber/s have had a change of heart after hearing our plea, we beg you to hand it into Armagh police station or contact the following number 07860611179.
“If you contact the following number, no questions will be asked on how you found it or about who gave you the ring and a large reward – donated from a local group in the village – will be offered to the person who returns the ring.
“Please, please, please, if anyone has found or knows where the ring is, please get in touch with us as the lady is heartbroken.
“We only hope they have a soul and imagine it being done to their loved ones.”
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