"It has ruined every happy memory I have had in my home"
A mother has said her family’s Christmas has been ruined after thieves broke into her home and stole her children’s wrapped presents.
Melissa Habibi cried non-stop for two days after she discovered burglars had ransacked the Newport home she shares with her husband Sayed, 31, daughter Macey, 12, and son Kaleem, 18 months.
The 31-year-old planned Christmas early this year and had got her children’s presents wrapped and ready to be placed under the tree at their home in St Julians.
It included £500 worth of toys as well as clothes, trainers, and expensive aftershave.
Now the family are rallying around to try and replace the stolen presents to make sure their children’s Christmas is not completely ruined.
"There was smashed glass everywhere"
Melissa said: “I was in work – my little one wasn’t at all well so he stayed with his dad. After work I picked up the baby from his work and drove home.
“When I put the key into the door I thought my husband had left the door open but then I noticed the television had gone and as I looked to the side starstruck I saw glass and shampoo bottles through my passage – there was just glass everywhere.
“I ran straight back up and I was crying and really upset. I was initially shocked. I tried to ring my family members and my husband.”
After phoning the police Melissa then realised that the thieves had also stolen her daughter’s pink laptop and headphones.
"I cried non-stop for two days"
She said: “To be honest it just absolutely deflated me. Me and my husband work very hard to be on the ball and live. I cried non-stop for two days.
“I haven’t had no weekends off and this was my first long weekend off in ages. I was so looking forward to it.
“I was going to take my kids out and do bits and bobs. It just totally ruined it for me. I felt really ill over it.
“The worst thing is that someone has been in our home and invaded our space.”
Melissa’s sister Natasha has now set up a fundraising page in order to try and raise enough money to replace the children’s presents that were stolen.
“We’re trying to get back on the ball as much as we can. It’s hard trying to replace everything, even just the household items”, said Melissa.
“Obviously my children come first and we’ll make sure their stuff is replaced before anything else.
"I cannot say it hasn’t ruined our Christmas"
“I cannot say it hasn’t ruined our Christmas but I have to put a brave face on it. It’s not only ruined Christmas but it’s ruined every happy memory I have had in my home.
“I have been very happy here and it’s completely ruined it for me. I’m going to try and not let it ruin our Christmas.”
A spokesman from Gwent Police confirmed they were investigating a burglary in the St Julians area of Newport on November 17.
They said the offenders gained access through a bathroom window and stole Christmas presents from a cupboard along with electrical items.
"Reckless crime"
Detective Sergeant Gareth Martin said: “Burglaries tend to be on the increase over the festive season due to the criminals knowing that valuable presents will be in people’s homes.
“I’m therefore urging residents to always lock windows and doors and ensure no valuables are left on show. Opportunistic thieves will take any chance they can – don’t make it easy for them.
“This particular incident has left the victims distressed and we are doing all can to find who is responsible for this reckless crime.”
Anyone with information can contact the police on 101 quoting reference number 279 17/11/16.
Visit http://bit.ly/xmashelpnewport to support the family.
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/familys-wrapped-christmas-gifts-were-12265874
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