Sisters' heartache at pet rabbit theft

TWO young sisters have been left heartbroken after thieves sneaked into their garden and stole their pet rabbit.
Amy and Katie Wilkinson woke on Monday to find three-year-old Milo had gone.Thieves had broken into the shed, where the hutch was kept, and took the silver Angora rabbit. A second rabbit and two guinea pigs were left behind. The raiders also escaped with the youngsters' pedal bikes and a 10ft trampoline from the front garden of their home in Prince Edward Road, The Nook, South Shields. Mum Jill Wilkinson, 45, said: "It's Milo who we are concerned about. We have had him for years. "I am gutted - absolutely devastated. Amy and Katie were in tears when I told them he had gone. He is just a lovely, lovely pet – a beautiful rabbit. "It is the third time the family has had to come to terms with the loss of a pet. In the past the family have had one rabbit stolen and another killed. Amy, 10, said: "I feel really sad. Milo is the best pet we have ever had. "Her sister Katie, nine, added: "He is part of the family." And together they appealed to the public to help find him. It is thought the shed burglary of the rabbit, trampoline and bikes happened sometime between 8.30pm on Monday and 5.30am on Tuesday. Neighbours are also being encouraged to look in their gardens for the rabbit. Neighbourhood Sergeant Paul Walters said: "The burglary has been reported to police and is currently being investigated. "The disappearance of the rabbit, in particular, has left two children very upset, and we would appeal to anyone with information on its whereabouts or to the burglary to contact us." Anyone with information or who comes across Milo is asked to contact police on 03456 043043, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

(Reproduced from the Shields Gazette, 4th July)

GARDIEN TIP: Anything of value stored in a shed needs good protection. See the advice at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/shed-outbuilding-security.aspx