Couple in despair over presents theft
Newly engaged couple Jenna Cooper, and Shawn Hopkins, both 27, and of Wath, are devastated after their engagement presents were stolen from their car. Picture: Liz Mockler S1207LM
A WATH couple have been left devastated after thieves stole presents and cards while they celebrated at their engagement party.
Shawn Hopkins and Jenna Cooper, both 27, were enjoying their get together at Wath Cricket Club on Sunday with friends and family.
But their joy turned to despair when they were told thieves had broken into Shawn’s car and stolen several gifts, cards and his sat-nav.
Shawn, who works at a printing firm, said: “We couldn’t believe it, it’s the last thing you expect to happen.
“They had smashed the passenger window and had taken five or six presents from the boot, about 15 cards and a sat nav worth £120.
“I’m less bothered about the sat nav and more upset that the presents have gone.
“They had sentimental value.
“I feel bad because people had taken the time and spent money to buy us something nice.”
He said the couple put the gifts in his Volkswagen Golf at about 4.30pm that afternoon and left the vehicle there overnight.
Said Shawn: “I play for the cricket club and I really thought it would be secure.
“We put the presents out of view in the boot so I think someone must have seen me put them in there and then broken in after I had left.
“I can’t see how else they would know where the presents were.
“It would have happened sometime between when I left the car and early the next morning.
“We are urging anyone with information to contact the police.”
The following morning a police officer phoned to say the car had been broken into and the items had been taken.
Jenna said: “We were quite shocked when the police first told us.
“You just never expect it to happen to you.
“I feel bad really for all of the people who bought us the presents.”
Shawn’s parents, Terry and Lesley, are now offering a £100 reward to anyone who can provide key information which leads to a conviction or the return of the goods.
Terry, 66, of Swinton, said: “It’s a terrible thing to happen, you can’t believe someone would stoop so low and do such a thing.
“They have a lot of sentimental value.”
Anyone with information should contact South Yorkshire Police on the non-emergency number 101.
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Saturday 25 May 2013
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