Thieves steal Breich family’s Christmas presents

Dec 22 2011 by Allan Valente, West Lothian Courier

A BREICH mother is terrified about staying in her home over the festive period after thieves broke into the property on Monday night and stole her kids’ Christmas presents.

Gillian Robertson (25) who stays in the house with her two boys, Jamie (3) and Kyle (1), returned to the address in Rashiehill Crescent on Tuesday afternoon after staying at a friend’s to discover that the thieves had gained entry by breaking the lock on the back door.

They proceeded to go upstairs and trash the upper floor, opening every Christmas present which Gillian had bought for the boys.

The thugs then made off with around a £1,000 worth of presents, including gifts for other family members.

Gillian also had other items and money stolen from the house and has been left deeply upset about the incident, especially as it has come so close to Christmas.

Family friend Nikki Burnett has now pleaded with people in the area to stop by Nikki’s Salon in Polbeth before Friday to drop off a donation or a gift to try and help Gillian give her boys a special Christmas.

Gillian said: “I got back and found that upstairs rooms had been completely trashed and every single Christmas present I had in the house was opened.

“They took all the good presents that were there.

“They stole a brand new digital camera, aftershave, lots of toys, a bag filled with sports stuff worth £250 and a PSP for my little boy.

“They also took my laptop and money off of my unit. It wasn’t a lot but they still took it.

“They had used pliers to take the locks off the back door and they got in that way.”

Gillian phoned the police straight away and a forensics team was set up in the house. A neighbour had also seen a light on in the house at 5. 40am.

Gillian stayed at her sister’s house on Tuesday night and wasn’t sure what her plans were over the festive period, but she was grateful to Nikki for trying to help her cause at the salon.

She said: “I suppose I will stay in my house because I don’t want to put anyone out, especially with two young boys.

“But I am petrified to stay in my own home.

“The worst part about it for me is that they have been through my drawers and all my stuff.

“Nikki told me to pop by the salon on Friday. She is a friend of my sister’s and she has been absolutely brilliant.”

By early morning yesterday (Wednesday) customers at Nikki’s Salon had already donated around £60.

Nikki added: “We’ve started a campaign on Facebook and we would love it if people in the area could come down and maybe make a donation or give any sort of parcel.

“I found out on Tuesday night about the break-in I just think this whole thing is disgusting.”

A police spokesman said: “Lothian and Borders Police are investigating following a break-in and theft from an address in West Lothian.

“A number of items intended as Christmas gifts were stolen during the incident, which happened between 10am on Monday, December 19 and 4pm on Tuesday, December 20 at a property in Rashiehill Crescent, Breich.

“Anyone who was in the area around these times and saw anything suspicious, or who has information that can assist with our enquiries is asked to contact police immediately.”