Burglars stole wrapped presents meant for three-year-old boy from under family's Christmas tree

Durham Constabulary arranged a toy donation collection for the family.

A mother has praised officers and the public who donated money towards her three-year-old son’s Christmas presents that were stolen in a burglary.

The victim had returned home from a trip away at around 5pm last night (December 23) when she discovered her house on Canterbury Road in Durham had been burgled.

The thieves broke into the property sometime between Saturday (December 21) and Monday (December 23) and stole various wrapped presents from underneath the owners Christmas tree as well as a laptop.

The items stolen included a tractor, remote control car, digger and various other children’s toys.

Durham Constabulary arranged for Santa to drop off some presents after the family were targeted by burglars

Officers from Durham City police station along with staff from the Riverwalk Walkergate complex heard of the burglary and began collecting donations to go towards replacement presents for the little boy.

Detective Constable Sarah Hindmarsh from Durham City CID said: “This incident really touched all the officers involved. The persons responsible knew exactly what they were taking as it was obvious that they were gifts wrapped under a tree.

“To think the little boy would not have his gifts on Christmas day is heart-breaking which is why everyone has donated some money towards the gifts.

“A big thank you to Tesco, Smyths and The Works for their donations and discounts and of course Santa who took time out of his busy schedule to help deliver the gifts earlier today.”

Please call Durham City CID on 101, quoting incident number 480 of March 2 if you have any information in relation to the burglary.

Alternatively information can be passed on to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.