Neighbours' disgust after burglar steals funeral ashes from Portsmouth house

People in Deerhurst Crescent, Paulsgrove, told of their horror at the burglary.

A heart-shaped crystal containing the ashes was taken in the raid at some point on Tuesday afternoon when a burglar kicked in a rear uPVC door.

Nearby resident Colin Ridoutt, 64, said: ‘It’s diabolical really.

‘It’s the lowest of the low.

‘I wouldn’t expect that from anyone.

‘I’ve lived in Paulsgrove all my life and in this street for 38 years.

‘I’ve not ever heard anything as bad as that. It’s terrible.’

Hampshire police said the ashes were of the victim’s relative.

A 50-year-old woman, who asked not to be named 
added: ‘Who’d want to steal them?

‘It’s horrible. It’s terrible, just absolutely terrible.

‘I’ve not heard of any burglaries in all the time I have been living here for 20 years.’

Another woman, 59, who also asked not to be named, said: ‘I’m very shocked and disgusted that they would do such a thing.

‘It’s normally quiet. I’m just shocked about it.’

Irreplaceable jewellery was stolen in the raid between 1.45pm and 4.45pm.

Items taken include a 
man’s Armani watch, a woman’s Armani watch, a Swarovski ring, a Tiffany ring, Tiffany earrings, a diamond bracelet and a charm bracelet.

A Hampshire police spokeswoman said: ‘Police would like to hear from anyone who saw anyone acting suspicious in the area around the time of the burglary, or anyone who is offered these items for sale.’

Call police on 101 quoting 44160104926.