Deceased Exeter baby's foot and hand prints stolen

Police were called just after 2pm on Sunday 22nd May after items of huge sentimental importance were stolen from a white Honda Estate which was parked near the commercial boat builders on Water Lane, Alphington, Exeter.

Sergeant Colin Harper, Exeter Neighbourhood Team Leader, said: "This is a particularly cruel crime, as the items stolen are of huge sentimental importance.

"A brown satchel has been stolen from the front of the Honda car and contained hand and footprints, plus the birth certificate belonging the victim’s baby who tragically died in the past few days; the victim discovered that their car had been broken into and the items removed when returning from the funeral directors to plan for their child's funeral.

"We are aware that the items stolen, whilst of huge importance to the victim, are of little financial worth, therefore it’s highly likely that the satchel would have been discarded soon after by the person responsible for the theft. So we are also asking for residents in the area to check their gardens and bins in case the brown satchel has been thrown away.

"We are appealing for witnesses and are asking that if anyone has any information relating to the break-in, that you contact police immediately. Please contact 101 quoting log number 490 for the 22nd May."