A Dundee family who were forced to abandon their home after a fire have been left distraught after thieves stole belongings they left behind.
The heartless criminals broke into the back garden of the house in Mull Terrace and stole a Raleigh BMX bike and other toys.
They also vandalised a variety of garden ornaments, smashing gnomes, meercat statues and lights. Plant pots were also destroyed in the attack.
“I just can’t understand it; it is incredibly upsetting,” said Margaret Samson, whose daughter and grandson live in the property.
“They must have known about the fire and realised no one was in. It is so sad. My grandson Reece just came back to get his bike. He was hoping to try riding it without stabilisers for the first time, but instead we found this. It is so heartbreaking.”
The fire happened late last month, ruining all three bedrooms and causing the loft to collapse in on the top floor. It took 20 firefighters almost three hours to tackle the blaze.
Initial investigations suggested that an electrical fault was probably the cause. The family have been staying with relatives since the fire and it may be as long as four months before they can return to their home.
Works are currently being undertaken during the day to repair the privately-owned property and Mrs Samson believes that the crime probably took place at night.
“I just hope they don’t come back and try it again. We can’t deal with any more stress,” Mrs Samson said.
“Poor Reece lost most of his toys in the fire and now they have taken the only ones he had left. They even took some water pistols of his that were left out back.
“The family have been through so much recently and now this happens. I’m just so angry,” she added.
Anyone with information about the thefts or the vandalism is asked to contact police on 101.