CROOKS STEAL OAP'S CHRISTMAS TREE

The disgraceful incident happened in Bull Lane.

Police were so shocked they clubbed together to buy her a Christmas hamper.

Said Sgt Mike Ridd: 'The poor lady, who was terribly upset, bought herself another tree so we decided to have a whip-around and buy her a special hamper.

'We wish to let her have the chance of making the best of a pretty poor Christmas so far.'

The callous thieves broke in by climbing over a back wall and breaking a rear window. They got away with cash and jewellery valued at around 2,000.

The occupant, who does not wish to be named, only discovered the incident some 24 hours later.

Added Sgt Ridd: 'We felt terribly sorry for the lady, particularly as all this happened in the festive period. She is very vulnerable and was very shocked.

'We would very much like to catch those responsible. It's quite disgraceful.

'It was only a 2ft high Christmas tree but, in some ways, it could be looked at as being more hurtful to lose than anything else.'