Mum’s plea for return of daughter’s top

PLEASE RETURN IT: A Gisborne mother has appealed for the return of a treasured top that belonged to her late daughter, stolen in a burglary at her home in Huxley Road. She is pictured wearing the brown patterned top, which she often wears in memory of her daughter who died in a vehicle crash eight years ago. Picture supplied

A Gisborne woman has made a passionate plea for the return of a treasured piece of clothing stolen in a burglary at her home — a clothing item that belonged to her late daughter.

Police would also like information about the burglary and the stolen clothing.

On September 11, a person broke into the woman’s home in Huxley Road, where she lives with her son, his partner and a friend.

Detective Josh Wynands said the family were absent at the time.

“The offender is believed to have entered the house through a rear door that the occupants had left unlocked, and went through all three bedrooms.

“The cupboards and drawers were all searched and the contents strewn across the room.”

The intruder made off with a black wallet-sized passport holder, a set of diamond earrings, a blue UE mega boom speaker and charger, a Muela-brand hunting knife with a black handle and a black pouch with the image of a stag on the front.

The thief also took a hunting and fishing top that belonged to the woman’s late daughter.

“The woman lost her daughter eight years ago in a traffic accident,” Detective Wynands said.

“Her daughter was wearing the top at the time of the crash and it holds significant sentimental value. She regularly wore it around the home as a reminder of her daughter.”

The mum told The Herald the top means a great deal to her.

“I would just like it back.

“It does not mean anything to anyone else, but to me it’s very special.”

She would be quite happy to just have the stolen top dropped off at her doorstep.

“I hope that someone has a conscience out there.”

The brown top has a tear on the lower right hand side and the name “Tiata” on the tag.

Detective Wynands said police hoped to get information to help recover the clothing item.

“We believe there would be a fair amount of public interest in this case, given the sentimental value of the stolen top.

Police have received some information that has helped identify a vehicle of interest seen at the address around the time of the burglary.

“It is a black-coloured Nissan two-door hatchback. The vehicle has a rough or faded paint job.

“A man was seen getting out of and into the vehicle at the address.”

Anyone with information can contact Detective Wynands at the Gisborne police station 06 869 0200, or go through the Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111.