Home News Heartbreak over callous robbery

Heartbreak over callous robbery

Tuesday, 30 June 2009

AN ELDERLY couple who lived in Ballymun for four decades have vowed never to return to the area after their home was ransacked and all their cherished belongings robbed. Rose and Frank Boyne have been left with a bitter taste in their mouths following the incident, which caused 72-year-old Rose to have an emotional breakdown over the loss of personal jewellery. The robbery of the house in Belclare Park, Poppintree, occurred in early April when the couple were out for the day. “They came home to find every room of the house turned upside down,” said their daughter Regina. “Everything valuable they owned was gone. “My late granny’s ring was taken and thousands of euro worth of change that they had collected was also robbed. “They didn’t usually have cash in the house but they’d put the change in bottles and each year they’d put it towards their holiday.” Among the sentimental items taken were emerald, diamond and ruby rings and earrings. According to Regina her devastated parents can take little comfort from the fact that nearly all the jewellery stolen was insured. “Almost every piece of jewellery that my father had given my mam over their 50 years together is gone,” she said. “You can’t put a price on things of such sentimental value.” The couple raised their 10 kids in the ‘mun’ and always had a great fondness for the area. “They never had any trouble until then,” Regina told Northside People. “They were absolutely shocked and devastated. They hadn’t that long left in Ballymun because they bought a house in Trim and were due to move out in a few weeks time anyway. “They could only stay in the house for four more weeks after the burglary because my mother just couldn’t sleep there anymore. My mam was constantly on edge and panicked at any little noise or if someone knocked on the door.” She added: “They put all their belongings in storage and moved in with my sister. They’ll stay there until their new house is ready.” Regina, who herself lives in Ballymun, said her parents would not return to the area they once loved. “It’s very difficult for them to deal with considering they lived here for so long and that was the circumstance under which they left,” she explained. “They are understandably very bitter. “I asked my mam if she’d talk to Northside People herself but she just broke down in tears even thinking about what happened.” The family believe that the ruthless thieves will try their best to pawn the jewellery off for cash and are appealing to anyone with information to contact the local gardai. “We’ve put the word out for people to be cautious of anyone who tries to sell them jewellery. “Sometimes you’d get people coming into the local pubs selling jewellery but as of yet we’ve heard nothing. “What we’d like more than anything is for the jewellery to be returned.”