‘How could they?’ (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

‘How could they?’

9:00am Friday 27th July 2012 in News By Jessica Nightingale, T&A Reporter

UPSET: Mum Jean McCrum with sons Christopher, seven, and two-week-old Jacob

A mum has condemned burglars who stole her disabled son’s treasured possessions and photographs of her new-born baby as she and her young family slept.

The intruders broke into Jean McCrum’s home in Garthwaite Mount, Allerton , Bradford, by removing the kitchen window.

Miss McCrum, 38, said the break-in had left her scared to live in the house with her children Christopher, seven, who has cerebral palsy, and new-born son Jacob.

And she said she was sickened by those who had stolen her son Christopher’s Xbox console and games – one of the few luxuries he owned.

Other possessions taken included her handbag, mobile phone and her two-week-old baby’s bag which contained personal photographs.

Miss McCrum said: “My little boy was devastated, it was his only enjoyment his Xbox. The thought of someone prowling around your house while you’re sleeping is very scary.”

“I’ve just had a new-born baby, and I’m on my own. What hurts more than anything is they took my baby’s bag which had disposable cameras in with pictures of him just after he was born.

Miss McCrum discovered she had been burgled when she went downstairs to find the back door wide open and the door keys thrown on the mantelpiece.

She added: “I think it’s awful, they’ve left this little boy who can’t go out and play football because of his disabilities without one of his few pleasures.”

The family lives in privately rented accommodation and Miss McCrum said she has been on the housing waiting list trying to get an adaptive property which would be more suitable for her son, for seven years.

A police spokesman last night appealed for witnesses to contact the non-emergency number of 101 or contact Crimestoppers on: 0800 555 111.