Schoolgirl has birthday presents stolen

7:40am Friday 9th November 2012 in Local News

Schoolgirl has birthday presents stolen Schoolgirl has birthday presents stolen

A GIRL’S tenth birthday party was ruined by callous thieves who stole all of her presents.

Harriet Long had been enjoying a joint party at Vi Bowl, on Canvey, with her step-brother Joe Athey.

But it all ended in tears after her birthday cards full of cash and gift-wrapped presents were stolen from the car outside.

The low-lives even took the chunk of birthday cake that had been kept aside for her with ‘Harriet’ written on it in icing.

Her mother, Michala Pollock, 38, said: “It ruined everything. My daughter was so upset.

“Everytime I think about it it’s so upsetting, it’s clear they were kids’ presents. What sort of people do that to a child?”

The crooks also took a bag filled with Halloween decorations and her husband’s black and orange Adidas holdall which contained personal documents. The unopened presents included some clothes and a ‘best friends’ bracelet given to her by one of her pals.

In their hurry to grab everything the crooks had even taken a bag filled with rubbish from they party. Luckily, all of her step-brother Joe’s presesnts for his ninth birthday were still in the venue, rather than in the car.

He decided to be a gentleman and refused to open them while she was upset, saving them instead until the day of his actual birthday

. Mrs Pollock, of St Annes Road, Canvey, said: “He said to his mum and dad he didn’t want to open his presents because it was unfair to Harriet. He’s such a lovely boy, they are such close friends and I thought it was such a kind thing to do.”

The car was parked in the Lubbins Park Primary School carpark, in Eastern Esplanade, at about 10.20pm on Saturday when the gifts were stolen.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “We want to hear from anyone hanging around the carpark at the time, anyone getting into the vehicle, or carrying presents away.” Anyone with information should call Det Sgt Lucy Shewring at Rayleigh Area Investigation Team on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Comments (16)

8:39am Fri 9 Nov 12

Brunning999 says...

That is a real problem realising that leaving stuff in a car park is stupid!
That is a real problem realising that leaving stuff in a car park is stupid! Brunning999

8:57am Fri 9 Nov 12

AndyBSG says...

It's a sad thing to happen but at the end of the day surely everyone with half an ounce of common sense knows never to leave valuables on display in a car... Especially somewhere like that car park which has no CCTV or security of any sort and is completely unlit!
It's a sad thing to happen but at the end of the day surely everyone with half an ounce of common sense knows never to leave valuables on display in a car... Especially somewhere like that car park which has no CCTV or security of any sort and is completely unlit! AndyBSG

9:09am Fri 9 Nov 12

Nebs says...

She lives in Canvey, the car was parked in Canvey, and the theft occurred in Canvey. Are there no police nearer than Rayleigh to deal with this, as local knowledge would seem to be needed to approach solving a crime such as this.
She lives in Canvey, the car was parked in Canvey, and the theft occurred in Canvey. Are there no police nearer than Rayleigh to deal with this, as local knowledge would seem to be needed to approach solving a crime such as this. Nebs

9:34am Fri 9 Nov 12

Old Boy says...

Canvey yet again. What is happening over there? You read it everyday problems with the youths. Police are about I presume they cannot be evrywhere. We moan about the "Big Brother" society (C.C.T.V.) cameras watching our every move, but another case it would have helped.
Were the presents on display for all to see? Was it one of the party goers? or was some one watching.
Canvey yet again. What is happening over there? You read it everyday problems with the youths. Police are about I presume they cannot be evrywhere. We moan about the "Big Brother" society (C.C.T.V.) cameras watching our every move, but another case it would have helped. Were the presents on display for all to see? Was it one of the party goers? or was some one watching. Old Boy

10:51am Fri 9 Nov 12

AndyBSG says...

" Police are about I presume they cannot be evrywhere"

They're not about though and that's the problem.

Benfleet and Hadleigh police stations, our two nearest ones, are both closed/closing and Canvey station itself has had it's opening hours scaled back massively so we are now reliant on Rayleigh Police Station and staff to cover all three of those areas and make up the shortfall those cutbacks have had.

I also would not be at all surprised if Canvey Station is soon closed down permanently
" Police are about I presume they cannot be evrywhere" They're not about though and that's the problem. Benfleet and Hadleigh police stations, our two nearest ones, are both closed/closing and Canvey station itself has had it's opening hours scaled back massively so we are now reliant on Rayleigh Police Station and staff to cover all three of those areas and make up the shortfall those cutbacks have had. I also would not be at all surprised if Canvey Station is soon closed down permanently AndyBSG

1:00pm Fri 9 Nov 12

catburglar says...

Happy birthday Harriot. Best advice for the future is move out of canvey ASAP
Happy birthday Harriot. Best advice for the future is move out of canvey ASAP catburglar

2:20pm Fri 9 Nov 12

Spazzy McGee says...

Why have they mentioned where the party was held when the presents were stolen from a car??

Also, 10:20 pm seems quite late for a joint 9th and 10th birthday, is this a typo??
Why have they mentioned where the party was held when the presents were stolen from a car?? Also, 10:20 pm seems quite late for a joint 9th and 10th birthday, is this a typo?? Spazzy McGee

3:06pm Fri 9 Nov 12

Russ13 says...

Spazzy McGee wrote:
Why have they mentioned where the party was held when the presents were stolen from a car?? Also, 10:20 pm seems quite late for a joint 9th and 10th birthday, is this a typo??
Errrmmmm so people know where it happened.... they may have just seen someone hanging around the venue of the party and/or the car park so that's pretty key really ;-)

10PM on a Saturday night isn't particularly late even for a 9/10 year old.
[quote][p][bold]Spazzy McGee[/bold] wrote: Why have they mentioned where the party was held when the presents were stolen from a car?? Also, 10:20 pm seems quite late for a joint 9th and 10th birthday, is this a typo??[/p][/quote]Errrmmmm so people know where it happened.... they may have just seen someone hanging around the venue of the party and/or the car park so that's pretty key really ;-) 10PM on a Saturday night isn't particularly late even for a 9/10 year old. Russ13

3:16pm Fri 9 Nov 12

madmax1 says...

Canvey a scourge on Essex.
Canvey a scourge on Essex. madmax1

3:34pm Fri 9 Nov 12

billericay boy says...

Unfortunately it's that time of year now where the scumbags of Essex come out to play, and for the next month or so it's going to get worse and whatever we do to protect our property if they want it they will get it.
Unfortunately it's that time of year now where the scumbags of Essex come out to play, and for the next month or so it's going to get worse and whatever we do to protect our property if they want it they will get it. billericay boy

3:48pm Fri 9 Nov 12

Spazzy McGee says...

Russ13 wrote:
Spazzy McGee wrote: Why have they mentioned where the party was held when the presents were stolen from a car?? Also, 10:20 pm seems quite late for a joint 9th and 10th birthday, is this a typo??
Errrmmmm so people know where it happened.... they may have just seen someone hanging around the venue of the party and/or the car park so that's pretty key really ;-) 10PM on a Saturday night isn't particularly late even for a 9/10 year old.
Fair comment!! My 9th and 10th birthdays would have been in the afternoon with Jelly and Ice Cream, maybe im out of touch!!!
[quote][p][bold]Russ13[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Spazzy McGee[/bold] wrote: Why have they mentioned where the party was held when the presents were stolen from a car?? Also, 10:20 pm seems quite late for a joint 9th and 10th birthday, is this a typo??[/p][/quote]Errrmmmm so people know where it happened.... they may have just seen someone hanging around the venue of the party and/or the car park so that's pretty key really ;-) 10PM on a Saturday night isn't particularly late even for a 9/10 year old.[/p][/quote]Fair comment!! My 9th and 10th birthdays would have been in the afternoon with Jelly and Ice Cream, maybe im out of touch!!! Spazzy McGee

4:09pm Fri 9 Nov 12

Olivia2847 says...

Suggest a whip round and stop bloody car parking .....
Suggest a whip round and stop bloody car parking ..... Olivia2847

8:42pm Fri 9 Nov 12

Andonemorething says...

This is my friends daughter who was devastated when her gifts and cards were stolen. Remember this little girl is TEN before you start crowing about why they shouldnt be left in the car etc.....
Please also be aware there are a LOT of errors in this story. Not that that is any surprise from the Echo.
This is my friends daughter who was devastated when her gifts and cards were stolen. Remember this little girl is TEN before you start crowing about why they shouldnt be left in the car etc..... Please also be aware there are a LOT of errors in this story. Not that that is any surprise from the Echo. Andonemorething

10:38pm Fri 9 Nov 12

Mic2012 says...

Old Boy wrote:
Canvey yet again. What is happening over there? You read it everyday problems with the youths. Police are about I presume they cannot be evrywhere. We moan about the "Big Brother" society (C.C.T.V.) cameras watching our every move, but another case it would have helped.
Were the presents on display for all to see? Was it one of the party goers? or was some one watching.
The presents were not on view to be seen. In fact there was 2 of us carrying bags to car whilst others helped tidy up and pack. The first lot is what was stolen. From the time they were put in the boot and the time the next person arrived with more bags was a matter of seconds... It wasn't a person from party as everyone had left and were all good friends.
[quote][p][bold]Old Boy[/bold] wrote: Canvey yet again. What is happening over there? You read it everyday problems with the youths. Police are about I presume they cannot be evrywhere. We moan about the "Big Brother" society (C.C.T.V.) cameras watching our every move, but another case it would have helped. Were the presents on display for all to see? Was it one of the party goers? or was some one watching.[/p][/quote]The presents were not on view to be seen. In fact there was 2 of us carrying bags to car whilst others helped tidy up and pack. The first lot is what was stolen. From the time they were put in the boot and the time the next person arrived with more bags was a matter of seconds... It wasn't a person from party as everyone had left and were all good friends. Mic2012

10:43pm Fri 9 Nov 12

Mic2012 says...

billericay boy wrote:
Unfortunately it's that time of year now where the scumbags of Essex come out to play, and for the next month or so it's going to get worse and whatever we do to protect our property if they want it they will get it.
Exactly. I agree. It happened in seconds.

Some of the vile comments made by people here is disgusting. The fact of the matter is, my daughters birthday was ruined and all her cards and presents stolen, in seconds! They must've been watching and waiting. Very sad and very unfortunate.
[quote][p][bold]billericay boy[/bold] wrote: Unfortunately it's that time of year now where the scumbags of Essex come out to play, and for the next month or so it's going to get worse and whatever we do to protect our property if they want it they will get it.[/p][/quote]Exactly. I agree. It happened in seconds. Some of the vile comments made by people here is disgusting. The fact of the matter is, my daughters birthday was ruined and all her cards and presents stolen, in seconds! They must've been watching and waiting. Very sad and very unfortunate. Mic2012

8:53pm Sat 10 Nov 12

sosad 1 says...

Mic2012 wrote:
billericay boy wrote:
Unfortunately it's that time of year now where the scumbags of Essex come out to play, and for the next month or so it's going to get worse and whatever we do to protect our property if they want it they will get it.
Exactly. I agree. It happened in seconds.

Some of the vile comments made by people here is disgusting. The fact of the matter is, my daughters birthday was ruined and all her cards and presents stolen, in seconds! They must've been watching and waiting. Very sad and very unfortunate.
mic dont get involed with these evil bloggers justlet them get gone with it hope you are all ok
[quote][p][bold]Mic2012[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]billericay boy[/bold] wrote: Unfortunately it's that time of year now where the scumbags of Essex come out to play, and for the next month or so it's going to get worse and whatever we do to protect our property if they want it they will get it.[/p][/quote]Exactly. I agree. It happened in seconds. Some of the vile comments made by people here is disgusting. The fact of the matter is, my daughters birthday was ruined and all her cards and presents stolen, in seconds! They must've been watching and waiting. Very sad and very unfortunate.[/p][/quote]mic dont get involed with these evil bloggers justlet them get gone with it hope you are all ok sosad 1

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