A mother and her young daughter in Birmingham have been left feeling terrified and considering moving house after returning from choir practice to find their home had been brutally ransacked by burglars.
A Shattered Sense of Security
The incident occurred on the evening of Friday, November 28, at their property in Edgbaston, an area the family had always considered a "nice, quiet" and safe part of the city. The intruders smashed their way in through a patio door, leaving a trail of shattered glass and devastation.
The mother, who works as a nurse, described the horrifying scene she encountered. Every room had been turned upside-down, with clothes, toys, and personal belongings strewn across the floors. The burglars had meticulously rifled through their possessions, leaving the family feeling deeply violated.
From Pocket Money to Ice Cream: A Desperate Raid
The thieves stole a wide range of items, highlighting the desperate and invasive nature of the crime. High-value electronics like a TV and an iPad were taken, but the burglars also targeted deeply personal effects.
They stole the young girl's £60 in pocket money, her school bag complete with her timetable, books, and lunch box, and even her slippers and trainers. Heartbreakingly, they also took Pandora jewellery she had received as Christmas presents the previous year.
In a bizarre twist, the criminals raided the family's kitchen. "They went and raided the fridge and took pretty much everything, even ice cream in the tub and lollies," the mother said. "I mean who steals ice cream?" Their snack cupboard and sweet jar were also emptied.
Living in Fear in a Burglary Hotspot
The family's ordeal was compounded by the discovery that their postcode, B15 in Edgbaston, was recently ranked as the UK's burglary hotspot. Since the break-in, the mother has heard of other similar incidents in the local area, including one on the same day.
"It's been really scary," she admitted. "Now I've gone from living in what I thought was a very nice, quiet neighbourhood, to now being scared where you don't know who's watching you." The violation has made her question even simple pleasures, worrying that buying nice things for Christmas might attract further attention.
Police attended within minutes after her 999 call, noting they were already in the area due to other burglaries. West Midlands Police have launched an appeal for information, referencing crime number 20/458815/25.
A force spokesperson confirmed: "We're investigating a burglary at a property in Edgbaston on the evening of 28 November. Several items including a TV and jewellery were stolen... We're carrying out a number of enquiries including a thorough review of CCTV in the area."
The mother's final sentiment captures the lasting impact of such a crime: "If I had money I would move, but where do you move to? It could happen anywhere." The family's sense of security in their own home has been stolen, along with their possessions.
