A WOMAN has been left shocked after her mother's ashes were among the items taken in a Stapleford burglary.
Tina Rhodes and her husband Stephen were on holiday when thieves targeted their property in Hickings Lane.
Police believe the offender or offenders smashed through the back door to gain access between the morning of Wednesday, May 15, and Sunday, May 19.
Mr Rhodes's green BMW, an iMac computer, a camcorder and other items were stolen – along with the Mrs Rhodes's mother's ashes and wedding ring.
Mrs Rhodes said: "Drawers and cupboards were thrown everywhere and they smashed the back door. There was glass all over."
She added that she ran straight to the bedroom to see what was missing – to discover the white cardboard box containing her mother's ashes was gone.
The sealed box – which reads "Joyce at Rest" – was kept in a jewellery box along with her mother's wedding ring.
Tina added: "I was just numb, shocked and shaken. It was hard to take it all in and make sense of it all.
"My legs felt like jelly. I just couldn't believe what I was seeing."
She said she believes the thieves only took ashes because they were kept inside in a jewellery box.
"I don't think they read it. They would have just tipped it into a bag and because it was sealed they took it to open later.
"Hopefully it has not been taken apart – I would like to think the ashes are still in the box."
Detective sergeant Paul Cash urged anyone with information to get in touch.
He said: "The family has understandably been left very shaken by this break-in and the things that have been taken.
"While items like computers and cars can be replaced, the box containing the ashes obviously cannot.
"The victims are anxious anyone who might be able to help recover it comes forward.
"We'd like to hear from anyone who might have anything that might help us with our investigation."
Anyone with information should contact Beeston CID on 101 extension 8125623 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.