A RETIRED couple were forced to delay their holiday after callous thieves broke in and stole £800 of possessions in their suitcases.

Pat and Danny Hollinshead, of Ronald Road, Halstead, were preparing to go on holiday to Wiltshire on Thursday.

Mr Hollinshead, 65, went downstairs at about 6.30am and saw the front door, kitchen cupboards and drawers were all open.

Thieves had taken an iPad, Canon Bridge camera and a Kindle Fire HD from the packed bags and a purse with cash and credit cards.

Mrs Hollinshead, 58, said: “Our reaction was one of shock and disbelief.

“It has taken us a few days to get over the shock, especially as we were in bed when this happened.

“When you have an intruder in your home while you are asleep, you do not know what intentions are of that person other than to rob you.

“We always make sure we are secure when we go to bed and when we leave the house. We think it’s upsetting that so many houses in Halstead have been hit.”

They had thought the security at their house was good, as they had installed CCTV and security lights.

However, the camera was not working and the couple has since been told the lights help intruders to see what they are doing. They were also told to install a more secure front door.

The couple left to go on holiday a day later than planned and are very grateful for the community and police after the incident.

Mrs Hollinshead added: “We can’t praise the police enough for their instant response and keeping us updated. We of course hope the police find these culprits and hopefully some of us will have some things returned.

“One of my neighbours had found my purse in their garden and has returned this to me now.”