Burglars steal bikes from children whose dad died of tumour
120523-402 SHED STOLEN GOODS (NEWS) MRW 13/2/2012 (back) Emma Nordkvelle-Combs (38) from Gosport, had her childrens bikes and other possessions stolen from her garden shed ! - (front left to right) Kristy (10), Helena (5), and Martin (7) Picture: Malcolm Wells (120523-402)
BURGLARS stole bikes and play equipment from children who are mourning the loss of their beloved dad.
The thieves broke into the back garden of the Combs family’s home in Exmouth Road, Gosport, and stole three children’s bikes as well as a set of children’s golf clubs.
In September last year, 36-year-old Andy Combs died after an 11-year battle with a brain tumour, leaving his widow Emma and their three children, Kristy, Martin and Helena.
Kristy, 10, discovered the break-in when she noticed the side gate was open and saw that the bikes were gone on the morning of Tuesday, February 7.
The door had been locked overnight, but that was smashed during the break-in.
It wasn’t until later that morning when mum Emma was hanging out the washing that she noticed the lock on the shed had also been broken.
As well as the golf clubs, the metal frames of garden chairs, a roof rack, a grinder and poles from a paddling pool were also taken.
Emma, 37, said: ‘When I told Martin he was upset and crying because he used to go out on his bike with his dad.
‘And he’d been to the golf range a couple of times with his dad too – he even went on a round with him once.
‘The kids are absolutely devastated.
‘These were part of their memories of their dad and now they’ve been ruined by whoever did this.
‘None of them wanted to go to sleep in their own beds because they were so scared.’
Martin, seven, said: ‘I think the people who did this are horrible
‘I liked going out with my dad and I can’t do that any more.’
Emma added: ‘I’ve even phoned around some of the scrap metal places myself to ask them if they’ve had anything in like the things we’ve had stolen.’
Andy had vowed to his family that he would live to see his youngest daughter’s first day at school.
But just a day after five-year-old Helena’s first full day at Elson Infants in Gosport, the brave dad lost his fight with the brain tumour he had battled against for the past 11 years.
The burglary has been reported to police who are investigating. The three Apollo-brand bikes had recently been security coded by police.
Anyone with any information should contact Gosport police on 0845 0454545 or use Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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Comments
There are 5 comments to this article
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seejay32
Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 04:39 PM@ 1: Even pond life has a purpose in nature, these thieves are no more than scum. I wouldn't quite go so far as #3, but a toughening up of sentences for those that are caught and convicted wouldn't go amiss.
Le Critique
Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 03:32 PMBurglars aren't the sort of people who care about who they steal off or what they're going through in their lives. They are opportunists and unfortunately if you make it easy for them they will help themselves.
grammarschoolboy
Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 02:45 PMIt's times such as these when I think a certain degree of Sharia law would suffice in this city.
blue and true
Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 01:26 PMthe things people will do for thenext bag of skag......................sad
Scott McGarveys Perm
Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 01:02 PMSounds like the pondlife that stole these items were after the metal so a visit by the police to the various scrap dealers would be a good start. Just questions what sort of scum there are out there that would steal childrens bikes and toys.
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