An Edinburgh woman was distraught after brazen thieves stole work materials from her open car while she unloading her shopping.
Louise Leach, from Leith, was taking groceries from her car into the house when she got distracted by her dog. When she returned to her vehicle she discovered opportunistic thieves had taken her belongings - including furniture samples.
The showroom samples would have been worthless to the scandalous thieves, but to the working single mum the blow has affected her ability to bring in income and put food on the table.
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The 57-year-old says she feels sad that someone could do such a callous and petty thing especially after such difficult time over the pandemic.
Louise really struggled to feed her kids and scrimped to keep their household running throughout lockdown - nearly having to go on benefits.
Speaking to Edinburgh Live Louise said: "I was unloading other stuff and got distracted sorting out my dog in the house when the stuff was taken.
"I managed to source replacement samples from a rep who happens to be leaving his role and is returning his kit - It's a six hour round trip.
"I didn’t report it to the police - I didn’t want to bother them over stuff that has no monetary value and no damage to the car.
"There are people out there who need police support much more than me and I would never want to be a distraction to that."
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Taking to Facebook the single mum wrote: "Thank you to whomever broke into my car to steal my work samples - I have no idea how useful a few drawer front/samples are going to be to you but I wish you well with them.
"I am a self employed sales designer and a single parent - during lockdown I couldn’t work - I used my savings and buckled my belt to avoid needing to depend on benefits and was just about managing.
"As with everyone else I am facing a huge hike in the cost of living and until I get all this sorted I will be unable to earn anything which is going to take a couple of weeks.
"To the rest of the world what was taken was relatively worthless but to me they are my bread and butter and as such you have literally taken the food off my table and the light and heat out of my home.
"I am not angry, I am only sad that you are so desperate to do such a thing.
"I truly hope that whatever ails you to make you behave like this will improve for you and that you find peace and joy in a better place soon. My thoughts and prayers are with you."
Due to the nature of the crime, Louise decided it would be a waste of police time to report the theft.
The mum is making a six hour round trip to Aberdeen today to hopefully obtain some replacement samples from a fellow designer who no longer needs them.
