A BUDDING photographer lost £2,500 worth of cameras and electronic kit when her home was broken into while she was at work.

Natalie Jane Bamforth, of Henley Road, West Bowling, was returning home from her job as a lorry driver in the early hours of Wednesday morning when she noticed her back door was open.

The 51-year-old feared the worst and walked into the home to find some of her windows broken and an array of her belongings had been stolen, including her beloved Nikon D5600 camera and Sony HD camcorder.

Ms Bamforth, a member of the Telegraph & Argus’ Camera Club, also noticed her Samsung 4k 55inch curve television was missing, along with her X-Box One, a controller and four games.

She said: “When I was walking up to the back door I noticed it was open.

“I thought at first that it was one of the neighbours but I saw a glass panel had been smashed.

“I thought I could see somebody outside my house last Sunday, so they were probably watching me to see when I was coming back from work.

“I don’t know why someone would do this.

“I’ve saved up for everything and it’s ruined.”

Despite the ordeal putting a stop to her hobby, she has vowed to remain positive.

She added: “I’m going to stay strong about it.

“There’s nothing I can do and have decided to go back to work instead of taking time off.

She estimates all of the kit is worth a combined £2,500, but she did not have contents insurance and will only be reunited by them if the police recover the stolen goods.

“I’m not insured and that’s my big problem,” she added.

“I’ve learned my lessons and next time I will get contents insurance and window alarms.

“If they break my windows again, at least the alarms will go off and it will probably deter them.”

Ms Bamforth said she is remaining hopeful about getting her belongings back.

She has already visited both of Bradford’s Cash Converters stores and spoken with staff to urge them to look out for her things in case someone tries to sell them or make money out of them.

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said: “This is believed to have happened between 6.30pm on November 21 and 2.55am on November 22.

“An X-Box One with games was taken, as were Nikon and Sony cameras and a Samsung Curved TV.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting crime reference 13180585722, or use the live chat facility on the West Yorkshire Police website.

“Information can also be reported anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”