Grieving family targeted by thieves

PAULA HULBURT

A grieving daughter returned from her mother’s funeral to discover thieves had targeted the family’s home.

Jessica Haden Walsh had been saying farewell to her much-loved mum Jospehine Walsh, 76, earlier this month. But the devastated family came home to find thieves had been on the private property and swiped a bell tent worth almost $5000.

Now Jessica is offering a $1000 reward for any information that leads to the return of the tent.

The Kiwi born entrepreneur and co-founder of Lotus Belle tents says the current spate of break ins and thefts in Blenheim is terrible.

“I remember saying to dad that we must check the windows and make sure they’re locked and to let our neighbour know we were going out. We were very vigilant.

“This isn’t about the money, it’s about honesty, I want to reward people for being honest. It’s about integrity, having a brain and being a good human.

“Our tiny little town has changed so much and it’s really sad.”

Jessica, who is now based in Byron Bay, says her family have lived in Marlborough for generations. She has spent the last 14 months at home, helping care for her mum.

Her mum was diagnosed with a terminal neurological condition two years ago but died in January after catching

COVID-19, Jessica says.

“It was just tragic. She was ten days in and I thought she was going to kick it but then went downhill fast.

“I feel very blessed to have been with her when she died.”

Jessica says local police have been helpful but she is worried about the apparent rise in crime.

“What’s happened to our town? This is not Compton LA but honestly feels like it. I lived in LA for four years and

I think we have more crime here per capita.

“In four years, I didn’t have one thing stolen.

“Shame on you Blenheim you used to be a good town … crime is through the roof. Remember the days when we didn’t lock our cars?”

Police are urging the public to take extra precautions and continue to report criminal activity after an increase in theft and burglary across the Blenheim area.

“Over December and January, there have been upwards of 63 burglaries reported and 41 car thefts,” police have revealed.

Sergeant Graham Single says police are working hard to identifying and apprehending those responsible.

“It’s disappointing to see a spike in this type of crime in our community, we are working hard to hold these offenders to account.

Anyone with any information about the theft can contact Blenheim Police or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or can email paula@topsouthmedia.co.nz