RUTHLESS thieves have left the mayor of Castle Point’s parents devastated after their Canvey home was ransacked while they were on holiday.

Conservative councillor for St George’s, Steven Cole, is warning Castle Point residents to beware of burglars after his parents Malcolm and Rosalind, who are both in their 70s, returned from Spain to find their home had been raided by thieves.

Councillor Cole said: “They’ve taken everything. It looks like they cased the place for a few days to see if anyone was home. Then they’ve used a crowbar to open the patio window and taken a sledgehammer to the conservatory door to get in.”

The thieves trashed the couple’s home and took everything from irreplaceable jewellery to a hefty safe that contained valuable documents and other expensive items.

Mr Cole added: “What’s shocking is my mother has just recovered from breast cancer and so has some wigs in the house which she uses special shampoo for and they’ve even taken that.

“They also took all my mother’s jewellery including a diamond necklace that was embedded with opals. She wanted to give her collection to my daughter as it was made up of precious pieces that are quite unique, so my mum is devastated.

“They’ve even taken the Christmas presents my parents had bought for the grandkids. It’s just unbelievable.

“I want people to know about this. I don’t want any other family to go through this at Christmas time. “I know it’s Christmas but we thought we had done everything we can to stop this from happening. They still got targeted so I want to make people aware.”

Forensics have been round to the house to examine the destruction that was left behind and check for fingerprints and DNA.

Mr Cole added: “The insurers estimate the damage is going to cost tens of thousands but of course, insurance will never replace the sentimental items that were taken.”

Councillor Cole is warning Castle Point residents to be extremely vigilant this Christmas and to report anything suspicious to police.