A Perthshire woman has spoken out after thieves ransacked her house stealing precious family heirlooms.
Gayle Fergusson (45) called for tougher sentences for burglars, saying their actions had ”profound and long-lasting” consequences.
She spoke out after every room in her home in St Madoes was turned ”upside down”.
After getting in through a window the thieves’ haul included a Second World War campaign medal with sentimental value and thousands of pounds worth of jewellery some of which belonged to her late mother and grandmother.
High-value electrical items, including two laptops and a digital camera, and a vast number of DVDs were also taken in the raid.
The medal, issued to her grandfather Reginald Gibbs, was kept in a small cardboard box with his name printed on top. Born in Yorkshire, Mr Gibbs spent most of his adult life in Perth.
”These items mean so much to me they carry so many memories,” Miss Fergusson said. ”It’s not about the money it’s the fact I might never see these family heirlooms again that makes me so upset.
”My mother, grandmother and grandfather have all passed away these were things that reminded me of them.”
Miss Fergusson was initially frightened at the thought of someone in her home but now just feels ”angry”.
She thinks courts need to clamp down harder on offenders, but said many thieves probably ”aren’t bothered about getting on the wrong side of the law”.
Miss Fergusson said: ”Although theft doesn’t physically injure the victim it can cause deep psychological issues. You feel much less safe for one thing I never used to worry, as I live in a lovely area but people can also steal treasured memories.”
She is worried much of the gold jewellery stolen will already have been pawned and is starting to lose hope that the culprits will be caught.
”Though I desperately want to see the items again I know it is probably unlikely,” she said. ”I have full faith that the police are doing all they can but it’s too easy for criminals to get rid of their wares now all they have to do is pop gold jewellery in an envelope and wait for the cheque in return. That bothers me.”
The police have not traced anyone in connection with the crime, believed to have taken place between 3pm on Friday December 30 and 12pm on January 3.
Officers are keen to speak to a man seen in the area at the time. He was in his 40s, around 5ft 7in, medium build with a round face, wearing dark trousers, a brown coat and dark trainers.
He was also wearing a light checked cap, possibly similar to a Harris Tweed.