BURGLARS ransacked a family home and stole money given to young parents to celebrate the birth of their daughter.
Thieves broke into the house and stole cash given to Victoria Kilroy and Jack Entwistle following the birth of their daughter Laila Entwistle, who is now two weeks old.
Miss Kilroy said she is now terrified of being in her home in Grasmere Avenue, Farnworth.
The new parents, both aged 24, who also have a 20-month-old daughter, Lillie, had accidentally left the back door of their terraced home unlocked.
Burglars got in and went on a rampage. They ransacked the kitchen and living room, looking for items to steal, smashed a glass and knocked framed family photographs on to the floor.
They fled after stealing £110, which was hidden in the living room and had been given to the couple following Laila’s birth.
Miss Kilroy, a care assistant, said: “I couldn’t believe it had happened. I was in shock when Jack told me.
“It upset me more that it was baby’s money and that somebody has been in my house. They trashed the kids’ stuff and they aren’t bothered. I can’t feel safe in our own home.
“They have just got lucky, but it could have been a lot worse — we are lucky in that sense.”
The couple believe their pet dog, who was in the hallway by the front door, acted as a deterrent to the burglars and prevented them from going into another room.
Miss Kilroy said: “It has put a downer on my maternity leave, but I won’t let it ruin my time with my girls. I am not going to give them the satisfaction.”
The couple have lived in the house for nearly two years without any problems.
The burglary happened last Monday between 4.30pm and 5.45pm.
Mr Entwistle, a forklift truck driver, discovered the damage and the theft when he returned from his mother’s house, also in Farnworth, with Lillie.
He phoned Miss Kilroy, who was at a Morris Dancing class, to tell her what happened.
The couple have now vowed to always check their doors and windows are locked — and are urging other families to do the same.
The burglar is thought to have scrambled over hedges or a shed to get into their garden, which is overlooked by neighbouring homes.
The burglary has been reported to police and a forensics team has been to the couple’s home to look for clues.
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel