Callous thieves ransack home of Farsley pensioner while she battles Covid in hospital
Callous thieves ransacked the home of a Farsley pensioner - while she battles Covid in St James's Hospital.
The suspects targeted the home of Pearl Haycock, 68, on Beverley Court in Farsley on Friday February 5, her son Stephen Howarth told the Yorkshire Evening Post.
Pearl is currently in St James's Hospital battling Covid - having tragically lost her husband Alan Haycock, 75, to the virus earlier this year.
Stephen made a memorial table for his mum and it had taken pride of place in her living room.
However, thieves broke in and 'trashed' her home.
Stephen has spoken out to raise awareness about the incident and warn residents in the area.
He said: "Weeks ago we lost my stepfather to COVID,
"My mum became very ill shortly after and is still in St James’s.
"I made a memorial table in the living room of her late husband for when she hopefully comes home, but these people decided to trash the place.
"We’ve made it public on social media but we don’t want this to happen to anyone else.
"Luckily she wasn’t there, but next time some pensioners could be.
"We are trying to get as much awareness on this matter.
"We don't want it to happen to anyone else."
Pearl has suffered with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and Alan was her carer until she became ill, Stephen said.
The pair are very well known in Farsley - Pearl ran the New Inn pub in the 1980s and 90s.
Stephen added: "My mums' absolutely devastated about Alan’s death and this on top of everything else.
"I just want people in Farsley to be aware that this is going on around them.
"I don’t want this to happen again."
West Yorkshire Police said the crime was reported to have happened between 12.20pm on 4 Feb and 1.30pm on Feb 5.
A spokesman said: "Anyone who may have seen anything suspicious which may assist the investigation is asked to contact the Leeds District Crime Team on 101 or via the contact options on the West Yorkshire Police website.
"The crime reference is 13210061593.
"Information can also be reported anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers."