Woman feels "violated" after burglars dressed up as husband to raid home (From News Shopper)

Woman feels "violated" after burglars dressed up as husband to raid Downham home

4:07pm Wednesday 8th August 2012 in Bromley By Sarah Trotter

A WOMAN says she feels "violated" after burglars dressed up as her husband in hard hats and fluorescent jackets to raid their Downham home.

The calculating thieves tried to fool neighbours by disguising themselves in workers' clothes before breaking in and making off with jewellery and £900 in cash.

Suzanne Thomas, of Farmfield Road, was having an operation to remove a cyst at Lewisham Hospital when the burglary took place.

Her husband Colin Thomas, a landscape gardener, came back from the hospital to find two men impersonating him as they looted his house on August 4.

The men held the front door against him while they escaped out the back, leaving suitcases of electrical goods which they planned to make off with.

Mrs Thomas said: "It is disgusting.

"My husband came home and the handle was held down. He could physically feel someone holding it.

"They had the key chain on - it gave them enough time to escape.

"They dressed up as my husband in hard hats and vis jackets. They had been watching our home.

"They found a cabby to take all my stuff which was already in suitcases.
"They had even put my iron in a suitcase.

They had unplugged my computer, everything electrical, including the microwave.

"Everything was strewn everywhere - even my underwear drawer - I feel totally violated."

The 45-year-old had to come home early from hospital to deal with the situation and now has to wait to finish her treatment.

"I had to sign myself out of hospital and they have now given my bed away at hospital," she said.

"They don’t know what they are doing to people, these burglars.

"I’m in chronic pain - now I must wait and go back to be referred - it isn’t fair."

Mrs Thomas, who is a PA at City University, is now afraid of being alone in her own home.

She said: "There is nothing worse than being watched.

"I am sitting here now with the chain on my door. I won’t go outside in case they come back to finish the job."

Lewisham police have arrested two men in connection with the burglary.

Help requried to find family heirloom

The burglars made off with jewellery including a precious necklace given by Mrs Thomas’s late mother.
The 14 carat gold item features a rose stamped on a coin and is engraved with the message: "I will love you today, tomorrow and always."
Mrs Thomas is appealing for anyone who knows of the necklace’s whereabouts to anonymously call News Shopper so it can be returned to its rightful owner.
Call 01689 885732.