Sentimental items stolen in Whitethorn Avenue burglary

Courtney died of a brain tumour three days short of her seventh birthday, on August 4th 2007 and her parents are appealing for the laptop's safe return.

Her parents, who live at Whitethorn Avenue, West Drayton, have two young daughters aged five and three, who are still coming to terms with Courtney's tragic passing now have to cope with their home being ransacked.

Kim Ellis, said: "Its like losing her all over again, its awful, we feel violated, we've lived here 10 years and have always felt secure, but this has turned us upside down.

"The major priority is getting the laptop back, I had a video on there so I could still listen to her voice, but that's been taken from me now.

"The other sickening thing, is that our children's money boxes were taken, they were full of odd coins they had been saving, everybody we have spoken to are disgusted."

Among items also taken by burglars are a Nintendo Wii, a PlayStation3, their silver Vauxhall Astra car, a SatNav, a handbag, money, a wallet, and a Toshiba laptop.

Stewart Riglin, said: "Its absolutely awful, the other stuff can be replaced over time, but we need the laptop back no matter what, there were over 1,500 pictures on there.

"Even if it is just dumped on our doorstep it will be a relief to us, the kids remember her really well, and this is devastating.
"I realised something awful had happened when we came downstairs and my keys and wallet were gone from the cupboard, and I looked outside and saw the car was missing."

The loss underlines the importance of backing up files regularly, Mr Riglin had only this month bought a back-up hard drive, but had not got around to loading the pictures on.

Police believe entry to the house was gained through the front door, and are investigating the offence.

DS Charlie Cairns, said: "The theft of the laptop in particular has caused a great deal of distress for the victims.

"Understandably the photos on the laptop have a sentimental value for them, I plead to anybody who has information about this burglary or has any information that could assist us with our enquiries to contact us."

If you have information you should call Hillingdon Police on 0208 246 1568 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.