A widow has been left devastated after burglars smashed their way into her home and stole sentimental items, including World War One medals and a personal letter.
The woman, who has lived in the same house off Lowfield Street in Dartford for the past 40 years, was out on Monday (January 12) when the burglary took place.
She had been out during the day and visited family in the evening, taking her chihuahua with her.
Speaking to KentOnline anonymously, she said: “I’m anxious, I’ve never suffered anxiety really.
“The worst thing for me is they’ve robbed my sense of security. I’ve never been as scared as I’ve been the last couple of nights.”
Her back door had been smashed and her bedroom ransacked with a safe containing World War One medals belonging to her late husband’s great-grandfather, along with a handwritten letter from his great-grandmother among the items taken.
The woman’s daughter-in-law explained: “He died in battle and never got to meet his child. The letter was to say she was pregnant. It’s priceless, it means nothing to anyone else, but everything to the family.”
Jewellery was also stolen, including watches, as well as her late husband’s iPad that had been kept in a bedside drawer.
Although the home has cameras, they had not been working at the time of the burglary.
The widow has been left shaken by the ordeal and says she no longer feels safe in her own home.
“It’s just vile, some of the stuff that they’re taking is completely irreplaceable,” she added.
Police confirmed they are investigating the incident, believed to have occurred between 12.45pm and 8.40pm, and enquiries are ongoing.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Kent Police on 01474 366149 quoting 46/6550/26.
