Thieves take a £6,000 clock

From the The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald, first published Thursday 5th Jan 2006.

A mahogany grandfather clock worth £6,000 was stolen from a home in Kington Langley near Chippenham on New Year's Eve.

Burglars forced patio doors at the house in Days Lane between 3pm and 9pm on Saturday.

They searched the house and took jewellery from the bedroom, including gold earrings, a man's black Rotary watch, a lady's watch and bracelet. They also made off with the valuable grandfather clock, which has a six-foot case.

The property belonged to John and Sandra MacDonald, who have lived in the village for 30 years. They were stunned to find the burglary had taken place.

Mr MacDonald said: "They jemmied the patio door open and took the grandfather clock and all my wife's jewellery.

"We've been together since we were 17 and we're now 60, and they took all the bits and pieces we've accumulated over the years. Some of these things have a lot of sentimental value."

He said they bought the clock many years ago and had it restored.

Police had warned it was possible the thieves might change the clock in some way before selling it on, in order to make it harder to identify.

The MacDonalds were in Chippenham when the burglary took place, the first such incident in the 30 years they have lived there.

The couple, who are retired, said that anyone offered the clock should contact the police. Witnesses are asked to contact (01249) 654455.

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