The box containing the ashes of John Wright
A son has pleaded with heartless thieves who stole his father’s ashes last Sunday while his elderly mother slept to return them.
The wooden box, containing the ashes of John Wright, was taken from the bedroom of a house in Pennyroyal Grove, Bristol, while his widow Monica, 75, slept upstairs. The theft occurred at about 1.30pm in the Blackberry Hill/Fishponds area of the city.
The ashes were taken from Monica’s bedroom where they were stored in a wooden box. The box is very distinctive as it is difficult to open due to a series of sliding compartments, making it appear similar to a jewellery box.
Also taken were photographs of various family members, cash and a debit card, a tan-coloured purse and a small square white cigarette box with flowers on and a lighter.
Tragically, the victim had hoped to be buried with her husband when she dies, making the return of the ashes even more important.
Ian Wright, Monica’s furious son, said: “The family are so angry, it appals us all that the ashes of my dad have been stolen. I cannot believe people would do this to a vulnerable old lady. It has disgusted us all. They obviously think they have the right to invade people’s homes.
“My mum wants her ashes to be combined with her husband. They were married for 54 years and were childhood sweethearts.”
An investigation has been launched and officers are continuing their enquiries locally.
Detective Constable Gary Booth said: “This is a particularly nasty incident which understandably has caused a great deal of distress to the victim and the whole family. I would urge whoever is responsible to return this box.
“Similarly if anyone has found the box or has any information on this burglary please call us on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
