Newbury woman heartbroken by theft of late father's rings

Devastated Sarah Double (pictured as a child with her father), who lives in Pound Street, is offering a substantial reward for the safe return of the rings, which were left by her father, David, who died when she was just five years old.
The thieves, who gained entry between 3pm on Friday December 6 and 11.21am on Saturday December 7, also made off with laptops, iPads, money, DVD’s and other jewellery, including a sterling silver teardrop necklace, bracelets and earrings.
Speaking to the Newbury Weekly News this week, Miss Double, who cut short her holiday to Germany when she was told of the break-in, said: “I want to be able to sleep again, they have absolutely shattered my world.
“My dad brought a ring each for me and my sister along with a letter that said he was sorry that he had to leave us both at such a young age.
“It was the only thing I had left of his and it’s been taken, it’s soul destroying.

“I don’t care about anything else they have taken; those rings were everything to me. They probably don’t have much street value but they are hugely sentimental.
“The other ring belonged to my sister, Sophie, who was only two when Dad died. I at least have some memories of him, but she has virtually none.
“I feel sick knowing someone has gone through my stuff and now have things which are of such importance to me.”
The offender(s) gained entry to the property by forcing the rear cat flap and despite stealing a range of items, they left all the Christmas presents which were wrapped and on display inside the house.
The first ring stolen is described as yellow gold with aquamarine round stone and clustered diamonds around the outside.
The second is described as yellow gold with blue sapphire stone and clustered diamonds around the outside, almost flower like in shape, with some diamonds on either side of the band.
In a seperate incident, between 11.30pm on Saturday December 7 and 3am on Sunday December 8, a property in Barn Crescent, Newbury was also burgled.
It is believed that the offender(s) gained entry via the cat flap and used the key that had been left in inside of the rear door. Car keys were stolen, before a white Volkswagen Coupe was taken from outside the property.
A spokeswoman for Thames Valley Police, Hannah Williams, said both incidents are believed to be linked.
Police are currently appealing for witnesses to come forward.
Anyone with information about either burglary should call Police on 101 or alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.