Bromsgrove community rallies together to replace money stolen from the home of dying 87-year-old veteran - The Bromsgrove Standard

Bromsgrove community rallies together to replace money stolen from the home of dying 87-year-old veteran

Bromsgrove Editorial 5th Jul, 2018 Updated: 5th Jul, 2018   0

THE BROMSGROVE community has rallied together to replace hundreds of pounds stolen from the home of a dying 87-year-old veteran.

Around £600 was taken, along with car keys, from Cyril Maddox’s bedside when burglars struck at the Stourbridge Road property between 3.45am and 6.45am on Sunday.

A GoFundMe page was set up by Mr Maddox’s family and their target has almost been reached.

Mr Maddox’s daughter Kerry Crisp said: “I’m absolutely heartbroken, my dad has only a few days to live – I find it completely disgusting that someone would do this.




“My mum and dad do live together but they sleep in separate rooms because my dad has a hospital bed in his.”

All three of them were in the house at the time of the incident and Kerry and Vivian were asleep.


Critical condition

“Neither of us realised there was a break-in.

“We don’t even know if my dad is aware of what happened.

“He is in critical condition and barely conscious but after the incident he kept repeating the word ‘break’ which might suggest he saw who did this.

“Unfortunately he is unable to tell us anything else.”

The thieves entered his room and ransacked the drawers to get the cash and Kerry’s car keys.

“Our house keys were attached to the keyring so we have had to change all the locks.

“It’s been horrible but I am so thankful to the Bromsgrove community which have really come together to do something special for my dad.”

Insp Gareth Keyte from Bromsgrove SNT said: “This is probably the most heart-breaking burglary I have attended in my career.”

The police and other organisations are providing support to the victim and his family at this distressing time and officers were carrying out a number of enquiries into the incident.

“We will be doing everything in our power to bring those responsible to justice,” added Insp Keyte.

Any witnesses or anyone with any information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Visit https://www.gofundme.com/87-year-old-dieing-veteran-burgled to donate.

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