HEARTBROKEN pensioners have spoken of their anguish after thieves raided their homes in Ilminster over the weekend.

Burglars tried to break into a number of properties in Holway House Park on Saturday night, and struck gold in two of them, taking a number of valuable items.

Residents at the Park which provides homes for the elderly have spoken of their shock.

Stuart Brawn whose 86-year-old father, Burt, had a number of items taken, said he was appalled.

He said: “Dad was away on a Royal Navy Association visit and had to return early because he was so upset – he feels violated. “It’s the sentimental value of the items more than anything.”

Burt had his great grandfather’s silver fob watch stolen, as well as his late wife’s jewellery and some watches she had given him.

Burt, who has lived at the Park since 2003, said: “I’m really shocked – I just couldn’t believe it. “I was having a lovely weekend and had to return early when I heard what happened.

“The first watch my wife bought me was taken, as well as a number of other things. “You can’t replace these with the memories they hold.

“It’s a sick world we live in.”

Julia Hamilton, another resident, had her father’s war medals stolen.

She has lived in the Park for five months and said she hasn’t been able to sleep since the incident.

She said: “There was mud all over the house and everything was smashed. “I feel so violated – it’s horrible.

“My father served in the Second World War, and his medals, plus his wedding ring and my mother’s jewellery and my own, have been taken.

“No money can ever replace them. “I don’t feel safe here any more.”

Burt’s distinctive fob watch was made by Knight & Son, Northampton, and has the name ‘Braune’ on the back with the ‘e’ crossed out.

The medals from Julia’s father have his name, ‘Francis John Groves’, on them”.

Stuart said the family is offering a reward if any of the items are found and the police are investigating.

A spokesman said: “We’re urging the public, secondhand shops and jewellery shops to remain vigilant and contact us if they are offered these items.”

The managers of Holway House Park did not wish to comment on the matter.

Anyone with information about the break-ins is urged to call Yeovil police station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555111.

Further items have now been identified as stolen in another burglary incident at the Park.

The latest list of 26 items, consisting of watches and jewellery hs been stolen from one victim and many of the items are of great sentimental value.

Items taken in the second incident are: 

18ct. Ladies watch with ‘rat-tail’ leather strap (circa 1935) working order.
1 Gents Seiko Stainless steel bracelet watch
1 Gents Seiko watch stainless steel case with gold colour bracelet
1 Gents Tissot Seamaster automatic watch (approx 40 years old)
1 Gents Seiko ‘Dress’ watch (gold colour case and bracelet)
2 ladies silver colour ‘fashion’ watches (bracelet straps)
1 ladies gold colour fashion watch (bracelet strap)
1 white gold ladies bangle, half set with white sapphires, (approx 15 stones)
1 9ct yellow gold aquamarine ring (stone approx 10mm x 8mm)
1 18ct white gold diamond solitaire ring (.50)
1 18ct yellow gold diamond ring (.40)
1 pair 9ct large hoop earrings
1 pair 9ct & onyx drop earrings
1 18ct yellow gold ‘Gypsy’ ring set with 2 diamonds and 1 blue sapphire
1 18ct Gents yellow gold onyx set signet ring
1 pair 9 ct white gold hoop earrings
1 pair 9ct yellow gold pearl and hematite drop earrings
1 pair 22ct yellow gold drop earrings
1 pair silver Moonstone set drop earrings (2 moonstones in each)
1 pair silver cat drop earrings
1 pair silver ’cage shape’ drop earrings
1 pair silver ’minaret’ shape drop earrings
1 20” silver chain with silver seven pence halfpenny stamp pendant
1 large silver ’butterfly’ brooch (with silver ’stand-up’ double wings)
1 Owl silver brooch
1 large paste spider brooch (set with many large and small stones)