A thrilled Wilford woman has been reunited with two stolen Buddhas which contained her father’s ashes inside following a public appeal for information by Nottinghamshire Police.
The garden ornaments were handed into Radford Road Police Station on Saturday afternoon after being bought.
The garden memorial was stolen from a garden in Mapplestead Avenue on 23 June 2020 at around 3.15am.
Her father was just 61-years-old when he passed away in 2006 from cancer and now the married mother-of-three children is delighted to have her items returned to her.
The 48-year-old woman, who didn’t want to be named, said: “I am absolutely thrilled. I’d like to thank the force for reuniting the items with me. I honestly didn’t think I would see them again, so it’s really emotional.
“I can’t actually believe they are back home. I’d like to thank the lady from the bottom of my heart. She wouldn’t accept any money for her honesty, so I took her some flowers.
“I really miss my Dad since his passing 14 years ago, so these ornaments are very special to me. They have huge sentimental value to me and my family. I certainly won’t be leaving these items outside overnight again.”
Police Constable Chris Lee is leading the investigation. He said: “The victim is clearly delighted and we are happy that she has got her prized possessions back.
“A lady came into Radford Road over the weekend. She said she had been hassled by people to buy the ornaments on her way home.
“She gave them a fiver to get rid of them, but later her daughter showed her the force’s Facebook post and she realised they were the ones.
“I spoke on the phone with the lady who had them and she’d lost her own father a year or so ago and was just as happy to be able to return them. Thank you to her for being so honest and returning the stolen items.
“We are still appealing for anyone who may have seen the original offence or anything suspicious.
“Managing to have stolen items returned isn’t a regular occurance, so thanks to everyone who shared the force’s media appeal.
“We are still keen to speak to this man from local CCTV on the evening of the incident. If you recognise him please do get in touch as he might be able to help with our enquiries.
“Please call 101, quoting incident number 206 of 23 June 2020 if you have any information.”
